Various: Kapell Rediscovered (Sony BMG Audio CD)

Last and never-before-released recordings of American pianist William Kapell,
the latest installment in Sony BMG Mastworks’ Re-Discovered series.

Features five works new to Kapell’s discography: Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 7, Debussy’s Suite bergamasque, Chopin’s Barcarolle, Op. 60 & Scherzo No. 1, Op. 20, Kapell’s rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’.

A virtuoso pianist of the mid-twentieth century, William Kapell’s brooding good looks and explosive interpretations of Russian piano literature made him a star. His death in a plane crash at the age of 31 put an end to a career marked by fiery personality,
technical mastery, and unstinting devotion to his craft. Many considered him the first virtuoso American pianist — certainly the most famous one until Van Cliburn — whose early death denied him more enduring popularity.

These recordings are a stirring reminder of the talent upon which his fame rested during his lifetime.

This digitally remastered two-disc set — the latest in Sony BMG Masterworks’ Re-Discovered series — compiles performances from four of the concerts on Kapell’s tour of Australia and makes them available for the first time as a lasting tribute to the
incredible talent and influence of William Kapell.