In the art of Friedman one hears the culmination of high-Romanticism. All the emphasis on beautiful tone, virtuosity, poetry, drama and elegance are united and reach their height in Friedman's art. His genius and encounters with Polish folk culture enabled him to perform Chopin's Mazurkas in a rhythmic manner resembling the accounts given of Chopin's own playing. In his youth Friedman championed Polish composers and played contemporary music. This decreased in time as he expected younger musicians to do so. Friedman performed with virtually every important conductor and many eminent soloists throughout his forty-year career. He had assisted Leschetizky and became one of his prized pupils: Leschetizky even stated that Friedman had surpassed him technically. Friedman also studied composition and musicology with Hugo Riemann and Guido Adler. As a teacher he was insightful, effective and offered effecting advice and help to his many students, among whom are Ignace Tiegerman (whom he considered his finest), Victor Schiler and Bruce Hungerford. One cannot imagine playing more exciting, reflective and sonically ravishing than Friedman's. Luckily some 6 hours of recordings exist. note: Since their publication I have located two unpublished takes of Mazurkas, quite different than those available. These will be released soon. A collector in London owns a test pressing of a Chopin Valse and a work arranged by Friedman. He refuses to allow copies to be made, and would not copy the disc even for Friedman's daughter. Such is the pathology one faces amongst certain cases who use recordings as an outlet for their vain immaturity. How pathetic that we cannot enjoy Friedman's performances of two works which he otherwise never recorded
© Allan Evans, 1996
Ignaz Friedman's Concert Programs
Friedman estimated that he had given over 2,800 concerts in his life. We have located nearly 800 programs, which give an idea of his immense repertoire and travels. Any additions will be welcome and incorporated into the text. While Allan Evans' biography of Friedman is complete and being submitted to publishers, this listing will not appear in the book. Note how Friedman's too-few discs inadequately represent a remarkable repertoire.
1896-1910
1911-1914
1915-1919
1920-1924
1925-1927
1928-1932
1933-1936
1937-1940
(Europe)
1940-1943
(Australia)
Here's an article about
Friedman as a Piano Teacher