Wilhelm Kempff ∙ Piano Recitals in France 1954-1962 ∙ 2CD

Wilhelm Kempff made his first appearance in France in September 1916, not as a performer for a French audience, but rather as a pianist entertaining German soldiers stationed at the western frontline. He held concerts in various venues, including theaters, churches, and cathedrals, alongside violinist Georg Kulenkampff. Kempff’s public debut in France occurred relatively late in his career, in 1938 when he was 42 years old. He was immediately highly regarded by French critics, who saw him as the epitome of a German pianist, exhibiting mastery over the works of composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. He regularly performed in France almost every year until 1981, enchanting audiences and filling concert halls. Kempff was a frequent guest at major French music festivals held in Aix-en-Provence, Besançon, Menton, Prades, Saint-Malo, and Strasbourg. Our double album features two recitals from these esteemed festivals. On 18 March 1981, he bid farewell to his French audience, presenting his final concert in the country at the prestigious Salle Pleyel in Paris.