ClassicalConnect.com presents rare archival recordings of famous Soviet pianists of the 1930s.
(PRWEB) November 7, 2009 -- Classical Connect (http://www.classicalconnect.com), the leading classical music virtual concert hall, presents rare recordings of Soviet musicians.
Combating its cultural and political isolation of the 1930s, the Soviet Union was tremendously supportive of talented young musicians who represented the country at international competitions and often earned top honors abroad. They were celebrated as national heroes in Soviet Union, just as Van Cliburn would later be feted in the United States after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1958.
International recognition of these musicians diminished in 1960s and the ‘70s as the Cold War put up new and stronger cultural barriers between the two sides. Most of these recordings were then lost in the tumult that followed the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
Classical Connect features a number of recordings made by Yakov Flier (who at some point was considered the equal of Emil Gilels and Svatoslav Richter), Tatyana Goldfarb, Isaac Mikhnovsky, Igor Aptekarev and other noted pianists of the late 1930s. The music selection is interesting in itself, as many of the pieces that were popular in the 1930 practically disappeared from the repertoire of the contemporary pianists.
These recordings were transferred from 78 rpm records. Despite all their technical imperfections, they give a unique glimpse into the musical culture of a forgotten era, one of the defining moments of the Russian pianism.
Classical Connect is continually expanding its features and adding new artists, composers, and performances. Classical Connect allows performers and composers to upload full performances and helps them expand their fan base by letting all classical music fans listen completely free on the site. The service also provides a way for fans to comment and connect with the performers and discuss the music.
About Classical Connect (http://www.classicalconnect.com)
Classical Connect was founded in 2008 and is aimed at both professional classical musicians and classical music lovers alike. By allowing artists to freely upload full-length performances, this service enables artists to better promote themselves. And by allowing classical music lovers to listen to full-length performances, this service hopes to help them find new favorites they might have otherwise never discovered.
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