Leon Fleisher - All the Things You Are (2014)

Leon Fleisher's first solo disc in nearly a decade is released in time to celebrate the great American pianist's 86th birthday.

Leon Fleisher–"the pianistic find of the century," said Pierre Monteux–was born in San Francisco in 1928 and accepted into the studio of master pianist Artur Schnabel at age nine. Seven years later Fleisher made his New York Philharmonic debut, and in 1952, won the Queen Elisabeth competition, leading to a series of legendary recordings made with conductor George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. In 2014, Leon Fleisher, approaching his 86th birthday, completed the present recording, consisting largely of works for left hand, including one of the pianist's specialities—Bach's Chaconne, arranged for left hand by Brahms. The album also features works composed for Leon Fleisher by George Perle, Leon Kirchner, and Dina Koston as well as gorgeous renditions of favorites by George Gershwin and Jerome Kern. All the Things You Are is Leon Fleisher's first solo album in nearly a decade, and is a testament to the enduring musicianship of a great artist.