The Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter (1915 –1997) was one of the greatest interpreters of the 20th century, along with his compatriots Emil Gilels, David Oistrakh and Mstislav Rostropovich. As Richard Osborne says of Richter’s playing in his booklet note, “Bravura technique matched to high intelligence and a richly developed musical imagination is a rare combination of qualities in any instrumentalist.” Richter’s live recitals catch him at his very best compared to the confines of the studio. This 1975 recital in London was considered a landmark, one of the greatest that Richter gave in this country.