Rudolf Serkin plays Schubert Sonata D960

Born in Bohemia, Rudolf Serkin emigrated to the United States at the beginning of the Second World War and became one of the most influential pianists of his generation, not only through his performances and recordings but also through his teaching at the Curtis Institute, Philadelphia and his work at the Marlboro Festival, which he founded.  He concentrated on the classic/romantic German repertoire and is regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven.  His playing was characterised by a certain austerity and intellectual rigour, but also by notable integrity and humanity.

Franz Schubert (1797 – 1828)

Sonata in B flat major, D960

This recording was taken from a recital given in the Royal Festival Hall, London in June 1971.

The recording is in the Harewood Collection at Music Preserved.