Profil Louis Kentner Plays

Louis Kentner was born on July 19, 1905, in Karwin, then part of Austrian Silesia, now Karvina in Czechia. He made his official debut at the age of 15 (1920) and began concert tours of European cities, attracting particular attention for his interpretations of Chopin and Liszt. It was in the year 1935 that the pianist made England his new home (settling in London) and he was given British citizenship in 1946. Kentner's broad repertoire included Bach as well as the composers of the 19th and early 20th century. Regular concert tours led him all over the world - beginning in Europe, continuing to South Africa, the Middle and Far East, New Zealand and Australia, the USA and Canada, and more still. At the same time, Kentner was more than merely a brilliant soloist; he was an admirable chamber musician as well. His duo recordings and concerts with his brother-in-law Yehudi Menuhin are legendary. William Walton wrote his 1949 Violin Sonata for the two artists. Drawing on his insights as a performer, the pianist also composed. He died in London on September 27, 1987. The present 10-CD compilation illustrates Louis Kentner as a successful soloist, chamber musician and concert pianist.