Igor Aptekarev, Piano

Biography

Igor Aptekarev (1910 - 1975)

The prominent Soviet pianist Igor
Aptekarev was born in 1910.  He entered the Moscow Conservatory at the age of 16 and was accepted in the class of the famous pianist and composer Samuil Feinberg.  His talents became noted while he was still in the Conservatory, and he became one of the first students to pursue the post-graduate studies in the newly established program. 

In 1933 Aptekarev received the second prize in the All-Union music competition (the first prize was awarded to the 16-year old Emil Gilels).  Aptekarev completed the post-graduate program in 1935.  Other graduates that year included the pianists Maria Grinberg and Yakov Zak, the cellist Semyon Kozolupov and the singer Nina Dorliak, later the wife of Svyatoslav Richter.

Aptekarev was known as a wonderful colorist.  Feinberg valued his "vigorous temperament, the capacity to faithfully present composer's ideas, and his unique piano sound."   Aptekarev was famous for his performances of Bach's clavier music.  His repertoire also included the major Romantic composers; he excelled in the Debussy. 

Aptekarev never toured outside of the Soviet Union.  The last years of his life Aptekarev was often ill and didn't perform much.  He taught in the Moscow Culture Institute.

We have two pieces in our library, both the transcriptions and both made by Godowsky: one, of Tango by Albeniz, another of Tambourine by Couperin.