Sony BMG Masterworks Releases The Essential Leon Fleisher

Sony BMG Masterworks releases The Essential Leon Fleisher, a commemorative anthology that features highlights from his greatest recordings. A special digital-only edition, with exclusive bonus tracks, is available on iTunes.

The 2-CD set features recordings released for the first time on CD - the 1963 recording with the Juilliard String Quartet of the Scherzo from the Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor and the opening movement (Molto Moderato) of the Schubert Sonata in B-Flat Major, Fleisher's first recording for Columbia Masterworks in 1954.

The pillars of the set are the opening tracks on each disc: the first movement of Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto, which was recently inducted to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, and on disc 2, the first movement of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, which Yo-Yo Ma named one of his top five favorite recordings on NPR Music. Another highlight is the Brahms transcription of the Bach Chaconne, for left hand.

"Fleisher [is] one of the first American-born classical music stars." - Yo-Yo Ma

"...his musical mastery is beyond reproach." - Jason Victor Serinus, Stereophile

"... inspiring confidence and expressive power..." - Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun

"...a musician's musician." - Ben Finane, The Star Ledger

For an in-depth overview, listen to Tom Hall's interview feature with Fleisher on WYPR's Maryland Morning.

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To learn more about Leon Fleisher or Boss Sounds:

Nell Mulderry 212.741.7959 nell@bosssounds.com