Autographed and inscribed 6.5" x 9", vintage 1950's French program page by the legendary concert pianist and organist.

German pianist Wilhelm Kempff (1895-1991) left one of the largest recorded legacies by a pianist on Deutsche Grammophon.  Originally trained as a church organist by his father, Kempff studied piano with Karl Barth a two time Liszt grandchild having studied with both von Bülow and Taussig.  He made his public debut in 1917 and from there, the world was his oyster.  Kempff was a pianists’ pianist earning praise from two composer originalists, Arthur Schnabel and later on Alfred Brendel.  Interestingly, Kempff was also a businessman; when making a recording with DG, he inserted his own cadenza.  When the first royalty checks came in, he questioned why it was not more, as he should have also been paid a composers’ royalty as well.  Needless to say, he was paid the royalty throughout the rest of his life and DG never allowed the same mistake again!

      Harmonie Autographs and Music, Inc.

Music Antiquarian and Appraiser

New York, New York

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