Shura Cherkassky's life story, like his piano playing, is
provocative and captivating. At his death in 1995, Cherkassky was
considered one of history's greatest pianists, as well as the last
direct link to the Romantic piano tradition of Chopin, Liszt, and
Anton Rubinstein. Cherkassky's story merits telling not only for
his musical achievements but also for the inspiration he provided
by demonstrating tenacity, integrity, common sense, and uncommon
courage. Cherkassky began his concert playing life in Ukrainian
Odessa at a time of lethal civil strife. Escaping with his parents
to America, the child prodigy came under the tutelage of famed
pianist Josef Hofmann, whose unfailing personal and professional
assistance continued for more than twenty years. Cherkassky
overcame poverty, prejudice against his Jewish origins, and
unhappiness from his ambivalence over his homosexuality to forge an
impressive touring and recording career, an enormous musical
repertoire, and an intriguing personality both on stage and off.
From his sensational 1923 American debut tour to sold-out concerts
on six continents, Cherkassky retained his brilliance throughout a
seventy-five year professional career. As a close friend for his
last twenty years, author Elizabeth Carr traveled with Cherkassky
on tour, attending recording and rehearsal sessions and watching
him practice, plan programs, and cope with pianos, acoustics,
conductors, and orchestras. Her role as confidante results in a
keen understanding of Cherkassky both as a human being and a
performer. Through observations, anecdotes, sixteen pages of
photos, and personal correspondence reprinted in the book, this
biography offers extensive research never before published, and an
intimate look at the man and his music.
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