Julius Katchen (1926-1969) was an American pianist, admired for virtuosity, intellectual command and a strong affinity with Brahms. His career was brilliant but cut short by early death.

In the Pristine catalogue he appears in Brahms, Rachmaninov and Dohnányi, with conductors including Anatole Fistoulari and Adrian Boult.

Katchen’s playing combined power, clarity and muscular architecture, especially in Romantic repertory that can collapse under softer hands.

His page is essential. Katchen brings heavyweight keyboard steel with a quick, brilliant edge.