Solomon / Various Solomon / Various CD

Solomon (1902-1988) was one of the best and most successful concert pianists in the world when in December 1956 his career came to an abrupt end after a debilitating stroke. This collection is the first to offer an overview that ranges from the most important early recordings such as Brahms's Handel Variations and the concerto by Arthur Bliss premiered by Solomon, via the exemplary Beethoven sonatas, to the last performances in Rome, Berlin and London. The critics praised Solomon's recordings, above all, for his tonally beautiful, powerful and yet sophisticated playing. On the subject of the Beethoven sonatas, Joachim Kaiser praised the inner meaning of Solomon's "austerity", perceiving an astringency, a fire sparked by the work itself, a total commitment to the interpretation and meaning of every single note.