Leon Fleisher (1928 - ) was born in San Francisco. He had his piano debut at the age of eight, began studies with Artur Schnabel at nine, made his San Francisco Symphony debut at 14, then he had his Carnegie Hall debut at 16 playing with the New York Philharmonic under Pierre Monteux. He won the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition in Belgium in 1952, became one of the most sought-after soloists and recitalists in the world's finest concert halls, and began a rich series of recordings with, among others, Georg Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra. His landmark version of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms concertos as well as his solo recordings of Schubert and his explorations of the American repertory would become cult classics. In 1965, he was cruelly sidelined at the height of his powers by a rare neurological disease that lost him the use of his right hand. Undeterred, while being told by his doctors that he would never play again, he became an inspirational teacher and conductor, all the while playing-and in fact revitalizing-the left-handed repertory, determined not to be defeated.

Leon Fleisher's great career was cut short early by his debilitating illness at the age of 37 and so any recording featuring his distinguished playing is important. These WDR sourced recordings are rare because they showcase Fleisher in a 'live' studio broadcast (almost all his recordings were in the studio with George Szell for Sony during the 1950's and early 1960's).

Here is partnered in two of Beethoven's most popular concertos by two of the most distinguished conductors of the period, Otto Klemperer and Hans Rosbaud.

Klemperer's performance of Gluck's Iphegenie aus Aulis Overture from the same concert on 27 February 1956 has been added in as a bonus.

This is the first authorized release of these recordings in superb sound using WDR's original master tapes.