Vladimir Feltsman, Russian-American pianist and educator

Vladimir Oskarovich Feltsman, born on January 8, 1952, is a distinguished Russian-American classical pianist widely celebrated for his profound musicality and deeply insightful interpretations. Of Lithuanian Jewish descent, Feltsman has carved a remarkable career on the global classical music stage, though he is perhaps most notably recognized for his extraordinary devotion to and masterful performances of the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

A Journey of Perseverance: From Soviet Refusenik to International Artist

Feltsman's path to international recognition and artistic freedom was marked by significant personal and political challenges. A prodigy of the rigorous Soviet musical education system, he honed his formidable talent at the prestigious Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he studied under the esteemed Professor Yakov Zak. Despite achieving early acclaim and winning numerous national and international piano competitions, his burgeoning career faced an abrupt and severe halt in 1979 when he was denied permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union. For eight years, from 1979 to 1987, Feltsman lived as a "refusenik," effectively blacklisted from public performance and recording within the USSR. This period of enforced silence, however, proved to be one of profound introspection and artistic development, allowing him to deepen his intellectual and spiritual connection to the core repertoire, particularly the complex contrapuntal structures of Bach.

The Bach Specialist: A Unique Interpretive Voice

Upon his highly anticipated emigration to the United States in 1987, Vladimir Feltsman's career soared, immediately bringing his exceptional talent and unique interpretive perspective to a wider, appreciative audience. He quickly established himself as a preeminent interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, a composer whose monumental keyboard works form the bedrock of Feltsman's vast repertoire. His approach to Bach is distinguished by remarkable clarity, intellectual rigor, and an almost architectural precision, meticulously revealing the intricate layers and profound emotional depth within masterpieces such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, the iconic Goldberg Variations, and the French and English Suites. Feltsman's acclaimed recordings of these works are highly regarded by critics and audiences alike for their transparency, historical awareness, and profound understanding of Bach's contrapuntal genius, often shedding new light on familiar compositions.

While deeply associated with Bach, Feltsman's musical interests and expansive repertoire extend broadly across the classical canon. His concert programs and extensive discography feature a wide range of composers, including the towering Romantic figures such as Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Fryderyk Chopin, as well as significant Russian masters like Sergei Prokofiev and Sergei Rachmaninoff. He has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors in major concert halls across North America, Europe, and Asia. Beyond the concert stage, Vladimir Feltsman is also a dedicated educator, currently holding a professorship at the Mannes College of Music in New York City and directing the International Summer Festival and Institute at the State University of New York at New Paltz, thereby actively nurturing the next generation of classical pianists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vladimir Feltsman

When was Vladimir Feltsman born?
Vladimir Feltsman was born on January 8, 1952.
What is Vladimir Feltsman best known for?
He is most notably recognized for his exceptional devotion to and unique interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly his keyboard works, though he also performs a wide range of Romantic and Russian composers.
Did Vladimir Feltsman face challenges in his early career?
Yes, after graduating from the Moscow Conservatory, he was denied permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union for eight years (1979-1987), living as a "refusenik" and being barred from public performances during that period.
Where does Vladimir Feltsman teach?
He holds a professorship at the Mannes College of Music in New York City and directs a summer music festival at the State University of New York at New Paltz.