Menahem Pressler

Turning 90 in December 2013, Menahem Pressler was the pianist of the legendary Beaux Arts Trio for almost 55 years, and continues to enjoy a blossoming career as soloist and recitalist, while remaining committed to teaching. For the greater part of his life, Pressler has lived with the two great sonatas recorded here. As an epilogue to these two pillars of the piano literature, Pressler has chosen to play a particular favorite of his, Chopin's brief but exquisite Nocturne in C sharp minor, a work that he often performs at the end of his recitals.

The venerable pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio joins the Emerson Quartet for two memorable performances. To the uncommon clarity and rhythmic drive of the string players, Menahem Pressler adds some of his own expansive personality. The mix works beautifully. You can hear every note in the scores, and everything is played with great expression and enough rhythmic tension to keep the music flowing.

The music world has known the outstanding artist Menahem Pressler for more than half a century. He was the heart of the famous Beaux Arts Trio, and in 2008, when the trio decided to separate, a memorable solo career restarted. At the age of 90, the grand master of the piano gave his long overdue debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Schumann's Piano Quintet is one of the world's (and my) favorite pieces of chamber music. But the less-outgoing Piano Quartet eventually reveals its secrets, too, and it's another wonderful piece. These are fascinating performances. Menaham Pressler, on leave from the Beaux Arts Trio, blends his Old World charm with the New World energy of the Emerson Quartet.

Menahem Pressler, a living legend of piano, records his first ever solo album for Deutsche Grammophon, with repertoire by Debussy, Fauré and Ravel.