Mozart W.A. Allegro and Andante, Rondo, Sonata, Debussy C. Images / E.Gilels piano

Emil Gilels in Prague

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) - Allegro and Andante in F major K 533 17:56

1. Allegro 9:36

2. Andante 8:14

3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Rondo in F major K 494 7:20

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- Sonata in B flat major K 570 16:19

4. Allegro 4:49

5. Adagio 8:17

6. Allegretto 3:09

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) - Images Set I L 110 15:02

7. Reflets dans l'eau 5:02

8. Hommage a Rameau 6:11

9. Mouvement 3:41

10. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) - Petrushka - Three fragments from the Ballet (1921) 15:57

Emil Gilels piano

Live stereo recording, Rudolfinum, Prague (1-3, 7-10) 1973, Studio mono recording, Rudolfinum, Prague (4-6) 1953

There is no music-lover who would not know the name and art of one of the most illustrious protagonists of the legendary Russian piano school, Emil Gilels (1916 - 1985). His American debut in 1955 caused a veritable earthquake in the West; and his recordings have since come to constitute a cornerstone of the collection of each serious piano-oriented discophile. Fortunately enough, Gilels' visit to Prague in May 1973 did not remain the exclusive property of the decaying memories of those who were then lucky to have the chance to actually listen to and applaud his performances; rather, it has left behind a lasting trace in the form of a recording. It is now presented to the general public, coupled here with a library recording of a Mozart sonata.

It is certain to attract a wide circle of admirers still today, 19 years from the artist's death.

Great Russian pianist Emil Gilels at the 1973 Prague Spring Festival.

(Supraphon 2004)