P0407. RUDOLF FIRKUSNY: Sonata #59 in E-flat; Sonata #33 in c (both Haydn); Four Piano Pieces, Op.119 (Brahms); Sonata in B-flat (Schubert). (England) BBC Legends Stereo 4173, Live Performance, 4 Jan., 1969, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. - 684911417326

CRITIC REVIEWS:

"This recital, given on January 4, 1969 when [Firkusny] was nearly 57 years old, shows him at the height of his pianistic powers. Although none of his beloved Czech music is included, it allows us to hear him giving classically molded performances of Haydn that are absolutely elegant. His Brahms is eloquent, and his Schubert has a wonderful mystic power."

- Carl Bauman, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, July/Aug., 2006



"Rudolf Firkusny was a connoisseur’s pianist, his audiences invariably starred with musical celebrities. In this 1969 recital, his playing shows all of his enviable stylistic elegance, fleetness and aristocratic understatement."

- Bryce Morrison, GRAMOPHONE, Awards Issue, 2006



“Rudolf Firkusny, a Czech-born pianist was known for his elegant performing style and his warm, patrician manner. During a long career, Mr. Firkusny was a favorite of audiences, piano connoisseurs and Czech-music specialists alike. He achieved still wider recognition in his late years in unexpected ways. In 1990, at 78, he appeared on a basketball court in concert dress, as a foil to David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs in a popular television commercial for Nike sneakers. ‘Music needs all kinds of encouragement’, Mr. Firkusny said at the time. Shortly afterward, he made a triumphant return to Czechoslovakia, as the country was then still called. Although he had not performed there for 44 years because of his staunch opposition to Communist control, he was recognized for his lifelong contributions to Czech music and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Charles University in Prague.”

- James R. Oestreich, THE NEW YORK TIMES, 20 July, 1994