In the early 1960s, Soviet artists began to perform more regularly in the West. The classical music world was shaken by the discovery of two giants who were almost entirely unknown before: Emil Gilels and Sviatoslav Richter.

A student of Heinrich Neuhaus, one of the greatest Russian pedagogues of the 20th century, Sviatoslav Richter was considered by Neuhaus to be his most talented student, endowed with exceptional gifts. Triumphantly received in the West, pianist Emil Gilels, also a disciple of Neuhaus, had this to say: "Wait until Richter comes, then you will talk." When Richter finally appeared in the United States and Europe in 1960, the entire Western world was indeed left breathless.

This recording, made in Chicago that same year, definitively immortalizes the events described above. The sound quality is superb, and this remastered edition only enhances an already well-executed work.

Enjoy your listening