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 .