Richter, Sviatoslav

Richter, Sviatoslav (svyä`tōsläf rĭkh`tər), 1915–97, Russian pianist, b. Ukraine. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory under Heinrich Neuhaus. After earning an impressive critical reputation, he was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1945. In 1960 he made the first of many international concert tours. One of the greatest pianists of the 20th cent., Richter was known as a perfectionist who played in a warm, romantic style. His repertoire was extensive, including works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Debussy, Mozart, and Schumann.

Bibliography

See B. Monsaingeon, Richter: The Enigma (documentary film, 1998) and Sviatoslav Richter: Notebooks and Conversations (2001).

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Richter, Sviatoslav (Teofilovich)

(born March 20, 1915, Zhitomir, Ukraine, Russian Empire—died Aug. 1, 1997, Moscow, Russia) Ukrainian pianist of German descent. He became accompanist to the Odessa Opera at age 15 and began conducting there at 18. In 1949, two years after he graduated from the Moscow Conservatory, he won the Stalin Prize. He toured Europe, China, Japan, and the U.S., becoming legendary for the powerful technique and fiery energy in his solo performances. Highly regarded as an accompanist and chamber player as well, he made celebrated trio recordings with Mstislav Rostropovich and David Oistrakh.