VICTOR MERZHANOV - SCHUBERT. Impromptu in A-flat, op. 90.

Victor Merzhanov, piano

Schubert. Impromptu in A-flat major, op. 90, no. 4.

Recorded at the Hall of Rachmaninov Music College in Tambov, Russia on July 01, 1991.

Victor Merzhanov was once called by a Swedish critic "a descendant of that line of great Russian-born pianists that began with Ziloty and Rachmaninov". Merzhanov graduated from the Moscow Conservatoire with distinction and his name was inscribed in its marble wall along with those of Scryabin and Rachmaninov. During his career he gave more tran 1500 recitals and concerts recitals with such conductors as Zanderling, Kondrashin, Gauk, Rozhdestvensky, Temirkanov, Svetlanov and many others. Merzhanov teaches at Moscow Conservatory since 1947.

Выдающийся русский пианист Виктор Мержанов, о котором шведский критик писал как о "достойном потомке великих пианистов, рожденных Россией, начиная с Зилоти и Рахманинова".За 50 лет сценической жизни он сыграл более 1500 концертов, в том числе с такими дирижерами, как К.Зандерлинг, К.Кондрашин, А.Гаук, Г.Рождественский, Ю.Темирканов, Е.Светланов.

Он имел блестящий успех во многих странах. В Италии его называли "настоящим волшебником, который поражает неповторимыми возможностями своих рук равно как и мудростью интерпретатора", в Польше писали, что "его игра открывает глаза на мир высочайшей гармонии, душевной красоты и благородной экспрессии, а его манера игры - образец недосягаемости"; в Америке отмечали "пластичность музыкального языка, необычную для исполнителей любой страны".

Виктор Мержанов родился в 1919 г. в Тамбове. В 1936 - 1941 гг. он учился в Московской консерватории по классу фортепиано у С.Фейнберга и по классу органа у А.Гедике. Окончил консерваторию с отличием, его имя занесено на мраморную стелу Московской консерватории и стоит в одном ряду с именами Скрябина, Рахманинова.

В 1941 - 1945 гг. В.Мержанов служил в армии. После войны учился в аспирантуре Московской консерватории. В 1945 г. получил Первую премию на Всесоюзном конкурсе музыкантов- исполнителей, разделив ее с С.Рихтером. В 1949 г. стал лауреатом конкурса Шопена в Варшаве. С 1947 г. Виктор Мержанов - профессор Московской консерватории.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• victor
• merzhanov
• moscow
• conservatory
• piano
• schubert
• impromptu
• a-flat
• major
• Виктор
• Мержанов
• tambov

[musiclover1919]

Merzhanov is great !!! I like his sense of style and the ability to actually "make" music. His studio and live performances are true treasures. Thank you for posting.

[Yanecita1986]

This is Schubert Impromptu in A-flat major Op.90 No. 4. And yes, while no-one is perfect, this is the one of the most musical and engaging performances of this impromptu. While most pianists play this piece like a technical etude, Merzhanov has gracefully transformed it into an expressive & melodious piece. It is so enjoyable to listen to his interpretation, that the few mistakes are insignificant. I much rather listen to his musicality than to someone with mechanical perfection and no feeling.

[tedly10027]

my very first memories of Merzhanov's playing was through an already old recording of his of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto played just after Merzhanov returned to playing after serving in the Soviet Army. it had also Liszt's Paganini Etudes. I do not recall a performance of the rach BETTER and more "complete" than by this artist. NOT EVEN rachmaninoff's own recording.

[AlanDNZ]

Indeed - but I used the "Song without Words" to describe how I hear it on this occasion. I was not confusing this with the composer who coined the term.

[AlanDNZ]

A Schubert "Song Without Words"? There are errors but within the limits of the recording quality this is an enjoyable playing. Thank you.

[chad410]

yeah he seems to make Schubert more musical than most

[iloveclassicalmusic]

Very romantic interpretation. The style that makes piano sing and speak. Thank you for posting this great video.