Julius Katchen ∙ Piano Recitals 1946-1965 ∙ 2CD

Julius Katchen was one of two musically gifted children in a family of musicians. His sister, Rita Katchen Hillman, was an accomplished pianist as well as violinist, who served as concertmaster of the New Jersey students orchestra and the Oberlin Conservatory orchestra. Growing up in an environment steeped in musical tradition, young Julius developed a passion for the piano. Displaying extraordinary musical aptitude from a tender age, he received training from his maternal grandmother. After the conclusion of World War II, Katchen was granted a graduate scholarship as an exchange fellow, enabling him to pursue a year of study at the University of Paris. Recognizing the better prospects for concert engagements and artistic growth, Katchen decided to establish his career in Europe. Tragically, Julius Katchen succumbed to cancer and passed away in 1969, at the peak of his brilliant career, at the age of 42. Throughout his 31-year career, Katchen showcased his prodigious talent on six continents, performing in 42 countries and collaborating with 122 symphony orchestras. This double album encompasses the earliest French radio recordings of Katchen from 1946. In addition, the album includes notable performances of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 26, Gershwin’s Three Préludes, and Schubert’s Piano Sonata in B-flat Major, D 960. These three compositions, previously unrecorded in Katchen’s commercial discography, represent a significant and valuable contribution to his musical legacy.

Meloclassic expresses its gratitude to Claire Bouchendhomme and Bruno Monsaingeon for their valuable assistance in curating this CD set. We extend a special appreciation to the Rita Katchen Hillman Family for providing rare photographs that are included in this release.