Product DescriptionRecording published for the first time. Brilliant, exquisite performances from the master pianist. Russian born pianist Youri Egorov first came to international prominence as the clear favorite among the 1977 Van Cliburn Competitions semi-finalists. When Egorov failed to make the finals, outraged audience members raised funds to match the $10,000 first prize and present their hero in his New York recital debut. The critics raved, and Egorovs career took off, flourishing for 10 years until his tragically early death in 1988. Egorov has drawn parallels with that of pianist Dinu Lipatti. Additionally, both men gave their final concert performances at the age of 33, each knowing at the time that he was afflicted with a fatal illness and had but months to live. Indeed Egorov cited Lipatti as the predecessor he most admired. 1978 was the year in which Egorovs career took flight. After his January début in New York the critics compared him to Horowitz, Richter and Rachmaninov.