Alexander Uninsky ∙ Concert Tours in Europe 1951-1962 ∙ 2CD

Alexander Uninsky, a native of Kiev, then in the Russian Empire, was educated at the Kiev Conservatory, and the Paris Conservatory. He won the 2nd International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1932, which brought Uninsky tremendous fame. All principal cities of Europe wanted to hear him. He shortly became one of the most sought-after pianists in Europe and continued his busy schedule of performances across Europe, South America and the Far East until the second World War. When living in Paris, Uninsky became a great friend of Prokofiev, spending long evenings playing two-piano music, until the composer returned permanently to the Soviet Union in 1935. Uninsky was one of the first pianists to play Prokofiev’s Third Concerto all over Europe, and the Concerto became an integral part in his entire career. After he immigrated to the United States, he enjoyed a reputation as an interpreter of the Romantic repertory. This double album features piano works that Uninsky never recorded commercially. The major rarities are Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Bach’s Partita No 2, and Schumann’s Carnaval.

Meloclassic would like to thank Philip B. Uninsky, son of Alexander Uninsky, for his assistance with this release and providing rare photos included in this set.