NB. Unless
otherwise noted, all information comes from the invaluable website dedicated to
Jorge Bolet or from unpublished recordings posted on YT. Recording details
about anything officially released are taken as much as possible from covers
and booklets. Links to the two parts of the Illustrated Discography are given after
each released recording on the label’s name (e.g. Decca
or Audite).
Other links to reviews and sources, but not recordings (except in a few special
cases of great rarities), are also given in
situ. The most comprehensive discography, including unreleased recordings
currently available on YT, may be consulted here.
I try to keep it up to date, but it’s hard. Bolet rarities appear and disappear
all the time.
1914
· Nov
15. Born in Havana, Cuba.
1925
· First
concerts in Havana: Chopin’s Etudes in the salon of Mrs Amelia Hoskinson;
Mozart’s 20th Concerto with the Havana Symphony under Gonzalo Roig.
1927
· Sep
4. Last concert in Cuba, “for the benefit of the young Jorge Bolet so that with
the receipts he can go to complete his piano studies in the US”. Program: a
Prelude (Bach-de Blanck), a study (Henselt), Impromptus (Chopin), a Waltz
(Levitzky), a Nocturno (Liszt, probably No. 3 from Liebesträume), Allegro
appassionato (Saint-Saëns) and Konzertstück (Weber; Havana Symphony, Gonzalo
Roig).
· Sep
16. Arrives in the US with his sister, Maria, on the SS Governor Cobb from Havana to Key West, Florida.
· Sep
27. Auditions at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia for Mary Louise Curtis
Bok, the founder, Isabelle Vengerova and David Saperton.
· Oct
6. Second audition at the Curtis Institute for Mrs Bok and Josef Hofmann.
Studies with David Saperton until 1934.
1929
· May
21. Concert (with tenor Fiorenzo Tasso), broadcast on WKRC: Chopin, Fantasy Op.
49; Delibes-Dohnanyi, Naila Waltz. Announcement in the Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, 21 May 1929.
1930
· May
26. Recital (students of Mr Saperton’s class), Casimir Hall, Curtis Institute,
Philadelphia: Franck, Prelude, Chorale & Fugue; Schulz-Evler, Blue Danube Paraphrase.
1931
· Apr
24. Recital, Casimir Hall, Curtis Institute, Philadelphia: Bach-Liszt, Organ
Fantasy & Fugue in G minor; Liszt, Waldesrauschen, Dante Sonata;
Rachmaninoff, Concerto No. 2 (1 mvt, orchestral part on the second piano for
Irene Peckham).
· May
16. Concerto, Curtis Institute, Philadelphia: Tchaikovsky No. 1, 1st
mvt (Curtis SO, Sylvan Levin).
· Dec
13. Concert, Casimir Hall, Curtis Institute, Philadelphia: Arensky, Piano
Quintet; with Jacob Brodsky (violin), Leonard Mogill (violin), Ladislaus
Steinhardt (viola), Howard Mitchell (cello).
1932
· Jan.
Debut in Carnegie Hall: Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1 (1st mvt);
Curtis SO, Fritz Reiner. Rachmaninoff, Hofmann, Horowitz, Godowsky, Milstein
and Zimbalist in the audience.
1934
· Apr
3. Recital, Teatro Principal de la Comedia, Havana: same program as Graduation
recital.
· Apr
16. Graduation recital at Curtis: Brahms, Handel Variations; Chopin, Nocturne 55/2;
Weber, Rondo from Sonata No. 1, Op. 24; Chopin, Sonata No. 3; Rachmaninoff,
Preludes 23/6 & 32/12; Prokofiev, Suggestion diabolique; Godowsky, Fledermaus
Paraphrase. See also Albert
McGrigor, liner notes.
1935
· Jan
26. Leaves the US for Europe.
· May
8. Recital, Amsterdam, Concertgebouw, Small Hall (European debut): program
included De Falla’s Fantasía Bética.
· May
10. Recital, The Hague, Diligentia Hall.
· May
31. Recital, London, Aeolian Hall (British debut): Beethoven, Appassionata;
Franck, Prelude, Chorale & Fugue; Chopin, Etudes 10/11 and 25/11, Ballade
No. 1; Liszt, Waldesrauschen; Godowsky, Fledermaus Paraphrase.
1936
· Mar
21 & 28, Apr 4. Concerts, Madrid, Spain. Beethoven, Concerto No. 5.
· May
17 – May 24. SS Columbus from Cherbourg
to New York City.
· Summer
in Cuba, as usual in those years.
· Sep
28. Returns to the US.
· Dec
9. Recital, Casimir Hall, Curtis Institute, Philadelphia: Bach-Liszt, Fantasy
& Fugue in G minor BWV 542; Liszt-Busoni, La Campanella; Liszt,
Valse-Impromptu, Waldesrauschen, “Liebestraum” [sic]; Bach-Liszt, Liszt-Busoni
and Valse-Impromptu are preserved on record: earliest known recording.
1937
· Apr.
Wins the Naumburg Competition.
· Oct
19. Recital, Curtis Institute, Philadelphia: Bach-Liszt, Fantasia & Fugue
in G minor BWV 542; Schubert, Rondo from Sonata in D major Op. 53; Chopin,
Etudes 10/4, 10/11, 25/7 and 25/11, Fantasy Op. 49; Liszt, Sonata; Prokofiev,
Suggestion diabolique; Rachmaninoff, Preludes 23/6 and 32/12; Godowsky,
Fledermaus Paraphrase.
· Oct
20. Radio debut, Philadelphia (Live): Program includes Rachmaninoff, Prelude
23/6.
· Oct
26. Recital, Town Hall, NYC debut; same program as the Curtis recital on Oct 19.
Review
by Howard Taubman (NYT, Oct 27).
1938
· Feb
4. Concerto, debut with Philadelphia Orchestra; Rachmaninoff No. 3 (Ormandy).
1940
· Feb
7. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC.
· Broadcast,
WRA: Liszt, Transcendental Studies Nos. 2, 5, 8.
1942
· Jan
12. Recital, Auditorio, Havana: Falla, Noches en los jardines de Espana (Havana
Philharmonic, Massimo Freccia).
· Oct
27. Recital, Hempstead, NY (first of three “morning musicales”): Brahms,
Intermezzi in A and C; Chopin, 4 Scherzi; Alberniz, El Albaicin; Debussy, Suite
(Bergamasque?); US national anthem as an encore in his own transcription.
· Dec
8. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC. Review
in NYT. First of three recitals. Jorge appears in his uniform of a lieutenant from
the Cuban Army.
· Dec
18. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Schubert, Impromptus 90/2 & 142/3; Chopin,
4 Scherzi; De Falla, Cubana, Andaluza; Albeniz, El Albaicin; Godowsky, 3 pieces
from Java Suite. Review
by Howard Taubman (NYT, Dec 19).
1944
· Jan
11. Recital, Constitution Hall, Washington debut: Chopin, Scherzo No. 2.
· Dec
8. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Bach, French Suite E major; Brahms, Handel
Variations; Dello Joio, Sonata No. 2; Chopin, Ballade No. 1.
1945
· Jan
31. Enlists in the US Army. Becomes American citizen after 6 weeks as a
private.
1946
· Apr
25. Concerto (as Lieutenant Bolet), Hibiya Hall, Tokyo: Chopin No. 1 (Nippon
Philharmonic).
· Aug.
Conducts The Mikado in Japan.
1947
· Oct.
Recital, NYC. World premiere of Sonata No. 3 by Norman Dello Joio.
1948
· Apr
11. Recital, Cienfuegos, Cuba: Liszt, Sonata; Chopin, Impromptus; Brahms,
Capriccios; Schubert-Godowsky, Rosamunde?; Saint-Saens, Waltz Etude.
· 3
Dec. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Beethoven, Rondo 51/1; Schubert, Sonata A
major; Prokofiev, Sonata No. 8; Chopin, Berceuse; Saint-Saens, Waltz Etude.
· Writes
an article “Music: a diplomatic weapon” for CBS.
1949
· May
17. Inaugural concert, Teatro Sauto, Matanzas, Cuba: Schubert, Sonata D784;
Saint-Saens, Waltz Etude.
· Concerto,
New Orleans: Prokofiev No. 2, last played by the composer 20 years ago. Albert
McGrigor, liner notes.
1950
· Feb
15. Concerto: Rachmaninoff No. 3 (Washington National Symphony, Howard Mitchell).
· Jun
18. Concert for the 150th birthday Washington, DC. JB represents
Cuba.
· Jul
15. Chicago debut: Tchaikovsky, Concerto No. 1 (Grant Park Symphony, Nicolai
Malko). Hilarious review by Claudia Cassidy: “I can only tell you that he has a
muscular attack, that he plays fast and loud, sometimes with a glittering
facility, sometimes with batches of blurs and blotches, and that he gave no
evidence of musicianship at all.”
· Nov
3. Recital, Fort Worth, Texas: Schumann, Symphonic Etudes; Weinberger-Chasins,
Schwanda the Bagpiper polka.
1951
· Feb
4-5. Concerts, Cuba (Havana Philharmonic).
· Mar.
Concerto, NYC: Prokofiev No. 2 (NYP, Mitropoulos).
· Apr
3. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Mendelssohn, Prelude & Fugue; Beethoven,
Sonata 31/2; Schumann, Sonata No. 3; Liszt. Review
by Howard Taubman (NYT, Apr 4). Last NYC recital for five years.
· Jul
22. Concerto: Brahms No. 2 (Chautauqua PO, Franco Autori).
1952
· Mar
6. Recital, Wisconsin: Schwanda Fantasy in the program.
· May
4. Concerto, Ann Arbor, Michigan (substitutes for Guiomar Novaes): Beethoven No.
4 (Philadelphia Orchestra, Thor Johnson).
· Recording,
Recital Favorites: Liszt, Funerailles; Beethoven, Andante favori; Mendelssohn,
Rondo capriccioso and Hunting Song (19/3); Moszkowski, En automne; Saint-Saens,
Waltz Etude (Boston).
· Recording,
Airs of Spain: Lecuona, …y la Negra Bailaba! and Danza de los Ñañigos; Granados,
Andaluza; De Falla, Andaluza and Cubana; Albeniz, Prelude, Malagueña and Córdoba
(Boston).
1953
· Feb
7. Arrives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Pan Am. Tour of South America.
· Apr
11. First appearance in the Hollywood Bowl.
· Apr.
Recording, Music Hall, Cincinnati: Prokofiev, Concerto No. 2 (Cincinnati
Symphony, Thor Johnson; Remington).
· Concerto:
Prokofiev No. 2 (LAPO, Leinsdorf).
· Recording:
Chopin, 4 Scherzi (Remington).
1954
· Mar
12. Concert, Bailey Hall, Cornell University: Prokofiev, Concerto No. 2
(Rochester Philharmonic, Leinsdorf).
· Spring.
Four-week visit to West Germany with four other American musicians.
· Jun
3-8. Sailing on Queen Mary from
Southampton to NYC.
1955
· May
26. Leaves by air for concerts in Brazil and Argentina (NYT).
· May
31. Recital, Teatro Municipal, Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro: Liszt, Sonata;
Beethoven, Les Adieux Sonata; Haydn, Andante & Variations; Debussy,
Preludes; Prokofiev, Toccata.
· Jun
28. Flies back to NYC.
· Dec
18. Recital, Royal Festival Hall, London: Haydn, Sonata E flat; Beethoven, Les
Adieux Sonata; Chopin, 4 Scherzi.
1956
· Dec
4. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Liszt, Sonata; Ginastera, Sonata (1952). Review
(NYT, Dec 5).
· Dec
14. Recital, Auditorium, Havana: Mozart, Fantasia K475; etc.
1957
· Mar
1. Recital, Chicago: Liszt, Sonata.
· Jul
31. Concert, Lewisohn Stadium: Rachmaninoff concerto. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg in NYT (Aug 1).
· Oct
16. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Beethoven, 32 Variations; Schubert, B flat
Sonata; Liszt, Wilde Jagd, etc. Review
by Howard Taubman (NYT, Oct 17).
· Nov
9. Concerto, Royal Festival Hall, London: Brahms No. 2 (Henry Krips).
1958
· Jan
16. Concerto, NYC: Beethoven No. 4 (NYP, Bernstein). Replaces Clara Haskil. Review
by Howard Taubman (NYT, Jan 17).
· Sep
15. Concerto, Detroit: Beethoven No. 4 (Paray).
· Oct
22. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Chopin, 4 Scherzi. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Oct 23).
· Recording:
Liszt, Transcendental Studies Nos. 1-3, 5, 7-11 (RCA).
1959
· Jan
11. Concerto, Royal Festival Hall, London: Rachmaninoff No. 3 (LSO, Walter
Goehr).
· Aug
22. Recital, London (?): Ginastera, Sonata (1952); Dello Joio, Sonata No. 3.
· Recording,
NYC: Liszt, Transcendental Studies Nos. 1-3, 5, 7-11 (RCA).
· Concerto,
Detroit: Beethoven No. 4 (Detroit Symphony, Paul Paray).
1960
· Jan
8. Murray Schumachs reports
in NYT that Bolet has recorded the soundtrack of Song
Without End in the last five weeks (i.e. Dec 1959).
· Feb
19. Recital, Charlotte Amalie High School auditorium, Virgin Islands.
· Jun.
Recording: Liszt, Concerto No. 1 & Hungarian Fantasy (Symphony of the Air,
Robert Irving; Everest).
· Aug
12. Concerto, Lenox, Mass.: Liszt No. 1. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Aug 13).
· Broadcast,
Berlin: Liszt, Transcendental Studies Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12.
1961
· Feb
10. Concert, Rogers Auditorium, NYC: Chopin, 4 Ballades. Review
by Raymond Ericson (NYT, Feb 11).
· Mar.
Recording, Belock Recording Studios, NYC: Liszt, Mephisto Waltz No. 1 &
Sonata (Everest).
· Mar
3. Concerto, NBC Studios, NYC: Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue (Bell Telephone Hour
Orchestra, Paul Whiteman). Video
recording in colour.
· Mar
25. Concerto: Beethoven No. 4 (LSO, Mackerras).
· May
26 – Jun 19. Tour of Poland, 10 concerts (8 with orchestra + 2 solo recitals)
in 6 cities.
· Oct
2. Radio recording, Berlin: Grieg, Ballade (abridged); Debussy, Images II &
Masques (Audite).
· Oct
25. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Liszt, Sonata. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Oct 26).
· Recording:
Chopin Recital, Polonaises 40/1 & 53, Waltzes 64/1-2, Etude 10/3, 10/5
& 10/12, Prelude 28/15, Nocturne 9/2 and Fantaisie-Impromptu (Everest)
1962
· Mar
22. Radio recording, Berlin: Liszt, Transcendental Studies Nos. 1, 2, 8, 9, 11,
12; Chopin, Waltz 64/1, Etude 10/5; Moszkowski, En automne;
Saint-Saens-Godowsky, The Swan; Godowsky, Le Salon; Schumann-Liszt, Widmung (Audite).
· Mar
26. Radio recording, Berlin: Franck, Prelude, Aria & Final (Audite).
· May
29. Recital, Royal Festival Hall, London: Beethoven, Appassionata; Liszt,
Sonata; Chopin, Sonata No. 3.
· Nov
1. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC. 25th anniversary of Jorge’s Carnegie
Hall debut. Announcement
in NYT.
· Nov
16. Video recording, BBC studio, London: Liszt, Grand Galop chromatique;
Chopin, Berceuse; Albeniz, Triana.
1963
· Feb
5-7. Concerto: Prokofiev No. 2 (Berliner Philharmoniker, Witold Rowicki).
· Feb
21. Radio recording, Berlin: Chopin, Impromptu No. 3 (Marston)
& Fantasy-Impromptu (Marston,
Audite);
Godowsky, Fledermaus Paraphrase (Audite).
· Mar
15. Radio recording, Berlin: Liszt, “Swiss Year”, Nos. 1-6 (Audite).
· Jun
11. Recital, Las Palmas, Canary Islands: Beethoven, Sonata No. 31; Brahms,
Handel Variations; Liszt, Transcendental Studies.
· Jun
24. Concerto, debut in Glasgow, Kelvin Hall: Tchaikovsky No. 1.
1964
· Mar
9. Radio recording, Berlin: Liszt, Rapsodie espagnole; Chopin, 4 Impromptus;
Godowsky, Fledermaus Paraphrase (Audite).
· Mar
11. Radio recording, Berlin: Schumann, Sonata No. 3 (Audite).
· Aug
4. Recital, Tanglewood: Beethoven, Sonata No. 31; Liszt, Transcendental
Studies; encores: Saint-Saens, The Swan; Verdi-Liszt, Rigoletto;
Schumann-Liszt, Widmung.
· Sep
12 – Oct 8. Tour of New Zealand.
· Oct
– Nov. Tour of South Africa.
· Oct
22. Concerto: Liszt No. 1 & Hungarian Fantasia (Cape Town Municipal
Orchestra, Peter Erös).
· Concerto:
R. Strauss, Parergon on Sinfonia Domestica; Liszt, Ruins of Athens Fantasy
(Boston Symphony, Leinsdorf).
1965
· Mar.
Begins 14-week tour of Australia.
· May
12. Recital, Sydney: Haydn, Sonata; Chopin, 4 Ballades.
· Oct
22. Concerto, Philharmonic Hall, NYC: Mozart No. ? (Festival Orchestra of NY,
Thomas Dunn). Review
by Allen Hughes (NYT, Oct 23).
1966
· Jan
5. Radio recording, Berlin: Liszt, 3 Liebesträume; Debussy, Preludes, Book I,
Nos. 1, 9, 10, 12 and Book II, Nos. 6-8, 12 (Audite).
· Jan
6. Radio recording, Berlin: Rachmaninoff, Preludes 23/10, 32/7, 32/12, 32/6 (Marston).
· Aug
19. Concert, Lenox, Mass., Berkshire Festival: Liszt program. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Aug 20).
· Sep.
Concerto, San Sebastian, Spain: Rachmaninoff No. 2. Lives on the northern coast
of Spain at the time, Fuenterrabia or thereabouts.
· Dec
2. Radio recording, Berlin: Chopin, Polonaises 40/1-2, 53; Schumann-Liszt, Frühlingsnacht
(Audite).
1967
· Apr
28. Concerto, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (replacing Aldo
Ciccolini): Rachmaninoff No. 2 (Orquesta Sinfónica de la RTV Española, Enrique
García Asensio).
· Oct
24. Concerto, United Nations, NYC: Beethoven, Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and
Orchestra (Rutgers University Choir, Vienna Symphony, Sawallisch).
· Oct
29. Recital: Liszt, Transcendental Studies. Review
(NYT, Oct 30).
1968
· Apr
4. Concerto: Mozart No. 15 (Bavarian Radio, Jan Koetsier).
· Apr
24. Radio recording, Berlin: Chopin, 12 Etudes Op. 25 (Audite).
· Jul
26. Concerto: Weber, Konzertstück (BSO, Leinsdorf).
· Sep.
Becomes Professor of Music at the Indiana University (until 1977).
· Recording,
Casino del l’Aliança del Poblenou, Barcelona: Tchaikovsky, Piano Trio (with
Victor Martin, violin & Marco Scano, cello; Ensayo).
1969
· Oct
29. Recital, Berlin: Liszt, Sonata.
· Recording,
Casino del l’Aliança del Poblenou, Barcelona: Liszt Transcriptions; Die Forelle
and Horch, horch, die Lerch (Schubert); Meine Freuden and Mädchens Wunsch
(Chopin); Widmung and Frühlingsnacht (Schumann); Liebesträume No. 3 (Liszt);
Lucia (Donizetti); Spinner-Lied (Wagner); Rigoletto (Verdi) (Ensayo).
· Concerto,
Bloomington, Indiana: Rachmaninoff No. 3 (Indiana University Symphony
Orchestra; Palexa).
1970
· Feb
14. Concerto: Liszt No. 1; Tchaikovsky No. 1 (Alberto Bolet, JB’s brother,
conducting).
· Oct
3. Hunter College, NYC: Liszt, Lucia & Rigoletto. Together with nine other
pianists, including Larrocha, Wild, Novaes and Lewenthal.
· Recording,
Casino del l’Aliança del Poblenou, Barcelona: Liszt, Transcendental Studies (Ensayo).
1971
· Mar
3. Radio recording, Berlin: Chopin, Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise (Audite).
· Aug
11. Recital, Bloomington, Indiana: Chopin, Andante Spianato & Grande
Polonaise (Marston).
· May
19. Concerto: Sgambati G minor (Butler University, Jorge Mester).
· Sep
21. Concerto: Liszt, Totentanz (NYPO, Boulez).
· Nov
15. Recital, Lincoln Center, NYC: Liszt, Grand Galop chromatique (pre-concert
recital).
· Nov
30. Concerto, Berlin: Liszt No. 1 (Berlin Radio Symphony, Lawrence Foster; Audite).
· Dec
1. Concerto: Sgambati G minor (Berlin Radio Symphony).
· Concerto:
Prokofiev No. 2 (American Symphony Orchestra, Stokowski).
1972
· Jan
5. Recital, NYC: Chopin, Ballade No. 4; etc.
· Feb
2. Recital, Alice Tully Hall, NYC: Chopin. 4 Ballades; Liszt, Sonata.
· Mar.
Recording: Prokofiev, Concertos Nos. 2 & 3; Sgambati, Concerto G minor, Op.
15 (Nuremberg Symphony, Ainslee Cox; Genesis).
· Jul
19. Recital, Indiana University, Bloomington: Brahms, Sonata No. 3; Franck,
Prelude, Aria & Final; Liszt, Gnomenreigen, Waldesrauschen, Rapsodie
espagnole, Consolation No. 3; Mendelssohn, Hunting Song; Schumann-Liszt,
Widmung; Liszt, La Campanella & Liebesträume No. 3.
· Aug
1. Concerto, Central Park Sheep Meadow, NYC: Liszt No. 1 (NYP, Jean Martinon).
· Aug
22-24. Recording, RCA Studio A, NYC: Liszt, Un sospiro, Liebesträume No. 3,
Gnomenreigen, Funerailles, La Campanella, Waldesrauschen, Grand Galop
chromatique, Rapsodie espagnole (RCA,
Bolet Rediscovered).
1973
· Jan
28. Recital, Hunter College, NYC: Chopin, 4 Scherzi (Marston);
Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets; Wagner-Liszt, Tannhäuser; encores: Schumann-Liszt,
Widmung; Verdi-Liszt, Rigoletto; Schubert-Liszt, Auf dem Wasser zu singen.
· Jul
16. Recording, RCA Studios, NYC: Rachmaninoff, transcriptions; Wagner-Liszt,
Tannhäuser (RCA,
Bolet Rediscovered)
· Oct
8. Radio recording, Berlin: Chopin, Fantasy Op. 49; Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets 47,
104, 123; Wagner-Liszt, Tannhäuser (Audite).
· Dec
8. Concerto, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC: Beethoven No. 3 (Musica Aeterna,
Frederic Waldman).
1974
· Jan
23. Concerto, Victoria Hall, Geneva: Prokofiev No. 2 (Suisse Romande,
Sawallisch).
· Feb
25. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Bach-Busoni, Chaconnne; Chopin, 24 Preludes; Strauss-Schulz-Evler,
Blue Danube Paraphrase; Strauss-Tausig, Man lebt nur einmal & Nachtfalter; Liszt-Wagner,
Tannhäuser (PHILIPS,
Great Pianists of the 20th Century).
Review
by Mel Taub (NYT, Feb 27).
· Mar
11. Recital, Van Wezel Hall, Sarasota, Florida: Chopin, Sonata No. 3;
Wagner-Liszt, Tannhäuser; Strauss-Schulz-Evler, Blue Danube Paraphrase.
· Mar
20. Recital, Town Hall, NYC; violin sonatas (with Ruggiero Ricci): Brahms G
major; Faure A major; R. Strauss, E flat. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Mar 21).
· Apr
7. Recital, NYC: Chopin, Barcarolle & Nocturne 55/1 (Marston);
Beethoven, Sonata No. 17.
· Aug
9. Recital, Tawes Theater, University of Maryland: Chopin, Preludes; Bach-Busoni,
Chaconne; Strauss-Tausig, Man lebt nur einmal, Nachtfalter;
Strauss-Schulz-Evler, Blue Danube Paraphrase; encores: Chopin, Nocturne 55/1,
Etude 25/1, Kreisler-Rachmaninoff, Liebesfreud.
· Oct
28. Recital, NYC. Review
by Donald Henahan (NYT, Oct 29).
· Dec
3. Concerto, Berlin: Beethoven No. 5 (Berlin Radio Symphony, Moshe Atzmon; Audite).
1975
· Mar
19. Concerto, Alice Tully Hall, NYC: Hummel, Concerto in A-flat Op. 113. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Mar 20).
· Apr
23. Recital, Butler University, Indianapolis: Godowsky, Fledermaus Paraphrase.
· Apr
30. Concerto, Victoria Hall, Geneva: Brahms No. 2 (Suisse Romande, Silvio
Varviso).
· May
19. Radio recording, Saal 2, WDR, Cologne: Godowsky, Fledermaus Paraphrase (Marston).
· Nov
9. Recital, NYC: Chopin, Polonaises Op. 26; Chopin-Liszt, My Joys (Marston).
1976
· Jan
10 – 15 Feb. Tour of South Africa.
· Mar
7. Recital, Pasadena, California: Reger, Telemann Variations; Chopin,
Polonaises 26/1-2 & 44; Liszt, Three Concert Studies, Don Juan; encores
(including Strauss-Tausig Nachtfalter).
· May
14, 19, 20, 21 & 22. Recitals in Japan.
1977
· Feb
17. Recital, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London: Reger, Telemann Variations; Haydn,
Sonata E flat; Liszt, Don Juan. Peter Wadland spots JB and promptly signs him
for Decca.
· Jul
4-11. Tour of Mexico.
· Jul
4. Recital, Bellas Artes, Mexico City: Haydn, Sonata E flat; Schumann,
Carnaval; Liszt, Petrach Sonnets & Don Juan.
· Oct 2. Recital, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London:
Beethoven, Appassionata; Schumann, Carnaval; Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets & Dante
Sonata; encores: Chopin, Nocturne 27/2; Chopin-Godowsky, 3 studies & 1
waltz.
· Oct
3-4. Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Godowsky, Chopin Waltzes & Etudes (Decca).
· Oct
21-23. Concerto, Brooklyn Academy of Music: Tchaikovsky No. 1 (Brooklyn
Philharmonia, Lukas Foss).
· Nov
20. Recital, Metropolitan Museum, NYC: Liszt, Trascendental Studies,
Consolation No. 3, Funerailles. Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Nov 21).
1978
· Mar.
Concerto, Karlsruhe: Rachmaninoff, Paganini Rhapsody (Badische Staatskapelle).
· Jul.
Tour of Brazil.
· Jul
6. Recital, Sala Cecilia Meireles, Largo do Lapa: Liszt, Transcendental
Studies, Funerailles.
· Jul
7. Recital, Palacio Boa Vista, Campos do Jordão: Liszt, Consolations Nos. 1
& 2, Sonata, Petrarch Sonnets, Don Juan.
· Jul
10 & 12. Recitals, Sao Paulo.
· Jul
13-16. Concerts in Buenos Aires.
· Jul
18, 20 & 21. Masterclasses in Mexico City.
· Dec.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Liszt, 5 Concert Etudes & Don Juan (Decca)
· Recital,
De Bilt, The Netherlands: Chopin, Impromptu No. 1, Waltzes 64/1 & No. 14 (Marston).
· Concerto,
Cleveland: Brahms No. 2 (Cleveland Orchestra, Jerzy Semkow).
1979
· Aug.
Recital, Maryland: Brahms, 7 Fantasias; etc.
· Oct.
Recording: Liszt, Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Rochester Symphony, David Zinman; VOX)
1980
· Mar.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Brahms & Reger, variations (Decca)
· Apr
19. Concert, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Weber Paraphrase? Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, Apr 20).
· Apr
30. Concerto, Alice Tully Hall, NYC: Liszt Nos. 1 & 2 (Musica Aeterna
Orchestra, Frederic Waldman). Review
by Harold C. Schonberg (NYT, May 1).
· Aug
25. Recital, Freemasons Hall, Edinburgh: Brahms, Handel Variations; Liszt,
Petrarch Sonnet 123; Weber-Godowsky, Invitation to the Dance.
· Sep
28. Concerto, Brighton, England: Tchaikovsky No. 1.
· Oct
2. Concerto & Recital, Hamburg: Tchaikovsky No. 1; Chopin, Sonata No. 2;
Schumann, Carnaval; Mendelssohn, Songs without words.
· Oct
22. Budapest. Award from the Liszt Society for the disc with Don Juan and
Concert Studies (1978).
· Nov
15-16. Concerto, Vancouver, Canada: Brahms No. 2.
· Nov
24. Masterclasses, Northern College, Manchester, England.
· Nov
25. Recital, Manchester: Haydn, Sonata E flat; Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12
& Sonata; Brahms, Handel Variations.
· Nov
28? Recital, Amsterdam: Chopin, Nocturne 27/2 (Marston).
· Dec
2. Recital, St Margaret’s Church, Twickenham, London: Chopin, 4 Scherzi; Liszt,
Sonata & Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12.
· Dec
11. Recital, Hamburg: Haydn, Variations F minor; Brahms, Handel Variations;
Liszt, Sonata & Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12.
· Dec
14. Recital, Chicago.
· Recital,
Queen’s University Festival, Belfast: Brahms, Sonata No. 3; etc.
1981
· Mar
24. Recital, Hamburg: Beethoven, Sonata No. 31; Reger, Telemann Variations;
Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets & Don Juan.
· Apr
13. Concerto, Avery Fisher Hall, NYC: Beethoven No. 5 (Gewandhaus, Masur). Review
by Bernard Holland (NYT, Apr 14).
· Jul
11-28. Tour of Australia: Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth.
· Aug.
Recital, Sydney Opera House.
· Oct
18. Concerto, Teatro Degollado, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: Rachmaninoff No.
2 (Hugo Jan Huss)
· Nov
20. Santo Domingo, Dominica Republic: recital or concerto?
· Nov.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Schubert-Liszt, Die Forelle, Der Müller und
der Bach, Wohin?, Lebe wohl!, Das Wandern, Der Lindenbaum, Horch, horch, die
Lerch, Auf dem Wasser zu singen, Die Post, Aufenthalt, Lob der Tränen, Erlkönig
(Decca)
1982
· Jan
5. Concert, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Franck, Quintet for Piano and Strings;
Chausson, Concert for Violin, Piano and String Quartet (Itzhak Perlman, Juilliard
Quartet). Review
by Donald Henahan (NYT, Jan 6).
· Feb
24. Recital, Wigmore Hall, London.
· Feb
& Sep. Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12,
La Campanella, Rigoletto, Funerailles, Mephisto Waltz No. 1, Liebesträume No. 3
(Decca).
· Mar
19. Concerto, Hamburg: Franck, Symphonic Variations (NDR Orchestra, Ferdinand
Leitner).
· May
21. Recital, City Hall, Perth, Scotland: Liszt, Schubert, Chopin.
· May
24. Recital, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London: Schumann, Fantasy; etc.
· Aug
28. Concerto, Glasgow: Concerto unknown (Scottish National, Alexander Gibson).
· Aug
30. Concerto, Bavarian Radio: Marx, Romantic Concerto (Bavarian Radio,
Janowski).
· Sep.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Liszt, Sonata, Italian Year, Valse Impromptu,
3 Liebesträume & Grand Galop chromatique
(Decca).
· Sep.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Rachmaninoff, Concerto No. 3 (LSO, Ivan Fischer; Decca).
· Dec
19. Concerto, Berlin: Liszt No. 2 (Berlin Radio Symphony, Edo de Waart; Audite).
1983
· Jan
8. Recital, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC: Haydn, Variations F minor &
Sonata E flat; Brahms, Handel Variations; Liszt, Sonata & Hungarian
Rhapsody No. 12. Review
by John Rockwell (NYT, Jan 9).
· Feb
28. Recital, St John’s, Smith Square, London: Mendelssohn, Fantasy Op. 28;
Chopin, Sonata No. 3; Kreisler/Rachmaninoff, Liebesleid & Liebesfreud.
· Mar.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Liszt, Swiss Year (Decca).
· Jul
29. Recital, Cine Teatro Embaixador, Gramado Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
· Sep
19. Recital, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London: Liszt, Venezia e Napoli; etc.
· Sep.
Recording, Kingsway Hall, London: Liszt, Venezia e Napoli, Le jeux d’eau,
Benediction & Ballade No. 2 (Decca).
· Interview
& performances with Robin Ray (video). Liszt, Grand Galop chromatique;
etc.
1984
· Feb
4. Concert, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC: Brahms, Sonata in F minor &
Intermezzi Op. 117; Rachmaninoff, Chopin Variations; Liszt, Venezia e Napoli. Review
by Bernard Holland (NYT, Feb 5).
· Mar
7 & 9. Recording, Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London: Liszt, Totentanz,
Malediction & Hungarian Fantasy (LSO, Ivan Fischer; Decca).
· Apr
14. Concerto (Czech Philharmonic, Jiri Belohlavek).
· Jul
8. Recital, Quebec City, Canada.
· Jul
14. Recital, Cheltenham, England: Liszt, 6 Consolations; etc.
· Jul
16-17. Recitals, London: Liszt, Benediction; Chopin, Sonata No. 3. BBC
broadcast.
· Nov
10. Concerto, Usher Hall, Edinburgh: Rachmaninoff No. 2 (BBC Scottish, Berglund).
Part from a BBC masterclass.
· Nov
16. 70th Birthday Recital, Metropolitan Museum, NYC: Debussy, 12
Preludes; Chopin, Preludes; encores: Chopin, Nocturne 55/1, Moszkowski, La
jongleuse; Chopin, Waltz E minor.
· Nov
21. Recital, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC: Chopin & Debussy, preludes. Review
by Tim Page (NYT, Nov 22).
· Nov
28. Concerto, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Franck, Symphonic Variations; Weber, Konzertstück
(Philadelphia Orchestra, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos). Review
by Allen Hughes (NYT, Nov 29).
1985
· Jan
29. Recital, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London: Debussy, Preludes; Chopin, Preludes
& Ballade No. 3.
· Mar.
Recording, St Barnabas’ Church, London: Liszt, Transcendental Studies &
Consolations; Chopin, Nocturnes 9/2 & 15/2 (Decca).
· May
5. Recital, Kennedy Center, Washington: Schubert-Liszt, Lieder.
· May.
Recording, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin: Grieg & Schumann, Concertos (Berlin
Radio Symphony, Chailly; Decca).
· Jul
17 & 20. Concerto, Sydney Opera House (Sydney Symphony Orchestra).
· Aug
8. Recital, Sydney Opera House: Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2; Bach-Busoni,
Partita No. 2; Chopin, Preludes; Liszt, Valse Impromptu; Rachmaninoff, Chopin
Variations.
· Nov
3. Recital, Minneapolis, Minnesota: Chopin, Sonata No. 3 (Marston).
· Dec
1. Recital, London: Schumann, Carnaval.
· Dec.
Recording, St Barnabas’ Church, London: Chopin, Waltzes 64/1 & No. 14,
Etudes 25/1, 2, 11 + Encores by Albeniz, Bizet, Godowsky, Strauss, Schubert,
Mendelssohn, Moszkowski (Decca).
· Concerto,
Liverpool: Rachmaninoff No. 3 (RLPO, Janowski).
1986
· Jan.
Recording, St Barnabas’ Church, London: Rachmaninoff, Chopin Variations;
Schumann, Carnaval & Fantasie (Decca).
· Feb
11. Leaves Curtis Institute.
· Mar
26. Recital, Philadelphia: Grieg, Brahms (Ballades), Liszt, Chopin.
· Apr
3. Recital, Carnegie Hall, NYC: Grieg, Ballade; Brahms, Ballades Op. 10; Chopin,
4 Ballades. Announcement
by C. Gerald Fraser in NYT.
· Apr.
Recording, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam: Franck, Symphonic Variations (Concertgebouw,
Chailly; Decca).
· Jul.
Recording, London: Schubert-Liszt, Wanderer-Fantasie (London Philharmonic,
Solti; Decca).
· Aug
15. Recital, La Roque d’Anthéron, France: Liszt.
· Sep.
Recording, Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London: Chopin, 4 Ballades, Barcarolle
& Fantasy Op. 49 (Decca).
· Nov.
Recital, London: Grieg, Ballade.
· Nov
28. Concerto, London: Brahms No. 2 (Dorati).
· Dec
1. Recital, Avery Fisher Hall, NYC: Liszt, Venezia e Napoli; Schumann,
Fantasie; Grieg, Ballade; Haydn, Variations F minor & Sonata E flat. Replacing
Martha Argerich. Review
by Will Crutchfield (NYT, Dec 2).
1987
· Jan
5. Announcement
to perform Liszt’s First Concerto & Fantasy with St Luke’s Orchestra at
Carnegie Hall.
· Jan.
Recording, Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London: Rachmaninoff, Liebesleid,
Liebesfreud, Preludes 3/2, 23/5, 23/10, 32/7 & 32/12, Melodie 3/3 (Decca).
· Mar
24. Recital, Melbourne Concert Hall: Haydn, Variations F minor & Sonata E
flat; Schumann, Fantasy; Liszt, Venezia e Napoli; Grieg, Ballade.
· Mar?
Video
recording: Ripponlea House, Melbourne: Chopin, Ballades 1 & 4,
Nocturnes 55/1 & 15/2; Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets 104 & 123, Venezia e
Napoli.
· Apr
19. Recital, Georgia-Pacific Center Auditorium, Atlanta: Chopin, 4 Ballades;
Liszt, Ballade No.2 (DVD,
The Virtuoso Pianist).
· Apr
20. Recital, Georgia-Pacific Center Auditorium, Atlanta: Chopin, Ballades 1-4;
Liszt, Bénédiction, Dante Sonata, Venezia e Napoli, Petrarch Sonnet 104; Franck,
Prelude, Chorale & Fugue; Chopin, Nocturne 15/2; Godowsky, Left Hand Elegy;
Moszkowski, La jongleusse; Albeniz-Godowsky, Tango (DVD,
The Virtuoso Pianist).
· Apr.
Recital, Metropolitan Museum, NYC: Chopin, 4 Ballades; Liszt, Petrarch Sonnets
& Dante Sonata; encores: Bizet-Godowsky, Adagietto; Chopin, Nocturne 55/1;
Godowsky, Elegy.
· May.
Recording, St Eustache, Montreal: Rachmaninoff, Concerto No. 2; Tchaikovsky,
Concerto No. 1 (Montreal Symphony, Dutoit; Decca)
· Jun.
Recording, St Barnabas’ Church, London: Chopin, 24 Preludes & Nocturnes
Opp. 27/1-2, 55/1, 62 (Decca)
· Aug
22. Concerto: Mozart No. ? (Gerard Schwarz).
· Nov.
Concerto, Montreal: Rachmaninoff No. 2 (Montreal, Dutoit).
· Fall.
Concerts, NYC: Grieg, Concerto (NYP).
· Recital,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Chopin, Nocturnes 9/3 & 15/2 (Marston).
· Recital,
St John’s, London: Grieg, Ballade; etc.
1988
· Feb.
Recording, Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London: Franck, Prelude, Aria & Finale
and Prelude, Chorale & Fugue (Decca).
· Mar
4. Recital, Carnegie Hall, New York: Mendelssohn, Prelude & Fugue, Rondo
Capriccioso; Beethoven, Appassionata; Franck, Prelude, Chorale & Fugue;
Liszt, Norma. Review
by Michael Kimmelman (NYT, Mar 6).
· Mar
13. Recital, Royal Festival Hall, London: Beethoven, Sonata No. 31; Liszt,
Norma.
· Apr
4. Recital, Carolyn Blount Theater, Montgomery, Alabama, USA: Mendelssohn,
Prelude & Fugue; Franck, Prelude, Chorale & Fugue; Liszt, Norma (Decca).
· May
14. Recital, Schwetzingen, Germany: Mendelssohn, Prelude & Fugue, Rondo
Capriccioso; Beethoven, Appassionata; Liszt, Norma; encores: Godowsky, Left
Hand Elegy; Moszkowski, La jongleusse; Godowsky, Le Salon (Hänssler).
· Jun
9. Recital, Ascona, Switzerland: Liszt, Benediction; Wagner-Liszt, Tannhäuser;
Schubert, Sonata D. 959; Schubert-Liszt, Der Müller und der Bach, Auf dem
Wasser zu singen, Lebe Wohl!; Schubert, Sonata D959.
· Jun
23. Recital, Attaturk Cultural Center, Istanbul.
· Jun
25. Recital, Mesley, France. Replaces Claudio Arrau.
· Sep.
Recording, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco: Debussy, 16 preludes (Decca).
· Oct
5. Concerto, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco: Chopin No. 1.
· Dec.
HIV diagnosis. Liner
notes by Francis Crociata.
1989
· Jan
5. Last London recital.
· Jan
12. Cancels recital at the Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts due to ill
health. Announcement
in NYT.
· Feb.
Recording, St Barnabas’ Church, London: Schubert, Sonatas D784 & D959 (Decca).
· Apr
16. Last recital in NYC, Carnegie Hall: Liszt, Benediction; Schubert, Sonata
D959; Schubert-Liszt, Der Muller und der Bach, Auf Wasser zu singen, Lebe wohl,
Die Forelle; Wagner-Liszt, Tannhäuser Overture.
· May
25-26. Recording, St Eustache, Montreal: Chopin, Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
(Montreal Symphony, Dutoit; Decca).
Last studio recording to be released.
· Jun
8. Last recital, Philharmonie, Berlin.
· Dec
7. Cancels recital due to illness. Cherkassky fills in.
· Records
Chopin’s Second and Third Sonata in California (Decca).
Never released. Albert
McGrigor, liner notes.
1990
· Oct
16. Dies at his home, Mountain View, California.
· Oct
17. Obituary
in NYT by Harold C. Schonberg.
