Benno Moiseiwitsch (1890-1963) was a Ukrainian-born British pianist, one of the most admired Romantic pianists of the twentieth century. Born in Odessa, he studied with Theodor Leschetizky and became famous for Chopin, Rachmaninov and other virtuoso repertory.

In the Pristine catalogue he appears in Rachmaninov concerto recordings with Basil Cameron, Malcolm Sargent and Walter Goehr. Rachmaninov himself admired Moiseiwitsch’s playing.

His pianism combined tonal glamour, flexibility and a remarkable singing line. He could sound improvisatory without losing command, and brilliant without turning brittle.

Moiseiwitsch belongs to the great old school of poetic virtuosos. His recordings still have the feel of velvet moving at speed.