Rachmaninoff / Karen Shaw, 1977: Étude-Tableaux Op. 33 No. 2 in C Major - MHS 3671

Karen Shaw (1940-2019) joined the Jacobs School of Music faculty at Indiana University in 1968, serving as the chair of the Piano Department from 1977-82 and subsequently for another 4 years. A brilliant pianist, Shaw was widely acclaimed and distinguished herself with performances as recitalist and soloist across the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Far East. Her first New York appearance was as winner of the Concert Artists Guild Award, which prompted unusually high praise from The New York Times critic Donal Henahan. Her debuts in London and Berlin were received with equal praise and enthusiasm. In a series of concerts at Carnegie Hall, The New York Times praised her as a "persuasive interpreter of Romantic music." Among her numerous pupils are noted national and international performers as well as successful teachers at every level.

[@messrtwinky]

Rachmaninov is mystical and harmonically mysterious. It takes a special pianist to hear the inner lines and play to forefront when necessary. Wonderful compositions! Wonderful pianist! Thank you, humbly.

[@notaire2]

Klar artikuliert doch bezaubernd und vor allem wunderschön! Echt intelligente und geniale Pianistin!

[@messrtwinky]

Of course, each musical artist invests the piece with their thoughts snd feelings. Having said that ... Ashkenazi and Ruth Laredo present outstanding performances of these etudes as well as Ms. Shaw. Artistic talent os not lacking in the piano world.