Rudolf Serkin was an Austrian-born American pianist, one of the great keyboard artists of the twentieth century. He was especially admired in Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms.

In the Pristine catalogue he appears extensively in Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Schubert and chamber repertory, with conductors and collaborators including Adolf Busch, Fritz Busch and Eugene Ormandy.

Serkin’s playing combined intensity, discipline and moral seriousness. His pianism could be rugged, luminous and architecturally immense without ever feeling ornamental.

His page is essential. Serkin gives the piano shelf a granite core and a burning inner lamp.