Birth

:

August 15, 1919 in Tambov, Russia

Death

:

December 20, 2012

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Viktor Merzhanov was a renowned classical pianist born on January 23, 1939, in Moscow, Russia. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known composer. Viktor began playing the piano at the age of five, and his talent was quickly recognized by his family and teachers. Merzhanov's musical education began at the Central Music School in Moscow, where he studied under the guidance of Anna Artobolevskaya. He later continued his studies at the Moscow Conservatory, where he was taught by the legendary pianist and teacher, Yakov Flier. Merzhanov graduated from the conservatory in 1962, and he went on to become one of the most celebrated pianists of his generation. Merzhanov's career as a concert pianist began in the early 1960s, and he quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic performances and his deep understanding of the music he played. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Scriabin, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of Russian piano music. Merzhanov's career took him all over the world, and he performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He was a regular performer at the Moscow Conservatory, where he gave numerous recitals and masterclasses. He also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. Merzhanov's recordings were highly acclaimed, and he won numerous awards for his performances. He recorded the complete works of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Scriabin, as well as many other works by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Schumann. His recordings of the Chopin Etudes and the Rachmaninoff Preludes are considered to be among the finest ever made. Merzhanov was also a highly respected teacher, and he taught at the Moscow Conservatory for many years. He was known for his rigorous approach to teaching, and his students included many of the leading pianists of the next generation. He was also a frequent guest teacher at music schools and conservatories around the world. Merzhanov's career was marked by many highlights, including his performances at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1962, where he won the third prize. He also won the first prize at the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris in 1965, and he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1984. Merzhanov continued to perform and teach until his death on December 31, 2012, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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