# Emil Gilels

> Soviet pianist (1916-1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q319732](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319732)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Gilels)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emil-gilels

## Summary
Emil Gilels was a Soviet pianist (1916–1985) known for his virtuosic performances and contributions to classical music. He was a prominent figure in the Moscow Conservatory and received numerous awards, including the Stalin Prize and the Order of Lenin. His legacy includes shaping the interpretation of Romantic and 20th-century piano repertoire.

## Biography
- Born: October 6, 1916, in Moscow, Russian Empire
- Nationality: Russian
- Education: Moscow Conservatory (1934–1941)
- Known for: Pioneering performances of Romantic and 20th-century piano music
- Employer(s): Moscow Conservatory (professor)
- Field(s): Classical piano, music education

## Contributions
- Performed and recorded works by Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin, establishing new interpretations of their compositions.
- Taught at the Moscow Conservatory, mentoring generations of pianists.
- Received the Stalin Prize (1946) and the Order of Lenin (1967) for his artistic achievements.
- Awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1951) and Honored Art Worker of the RSFSR (1939).
- Honored with the Order of the Badge of Honour (1945) and the Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (1945).

## FAQs
**What was Emil Gilels known for?**
Emil Gilels was renowned for his virtuosic piano performances, particularly of Romantic and 20th-century composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin. He was also a distinguished professor at the Moscow Conservatory.

**Where did Emil Gilels study?**
He studied at the Moscow Conservatory, where he later became a professor.

**What awards did Emil Gilels receive?**
He received the Stalin Prize (1946), the Order of Lenin (1967), and the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1951), among others.

**What was Emil Gilels's nationality?**
He was Russian, born in the Russian Empire.

## Why They Matter
Emil Gilels played a pivotal role in the development of classical piano performance, particularly in interpreting Romantic and 20th-century works. His recordings and live performances influenced generations of pianists. As a professor at the Moscow Conservatory, he shaped the careers of many musicians. His awards and honors reflect his status as a leading figure in Soviet classical music.

## Notable For
- Pioneer of Romantic and 20th-century piano repertoire
- Professor at the Moscow Conservatory
- Recipient of the Stalin Prize (1946)
- Holder of the Order of Lenin (1967)
- Titled People's Artist of the USSR (1951)
- Honored with the Order of the Badge of Honour (1945)
- Awarded the Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (1945)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Emil Gilels was born on October 6, 1916, in Moscow, Russian Empire. He began studying piano at the age of 12 and later enrolled at the Moscow Conservatory in 1934, where he studied under professors like Alexander Goldenweiser and Boris Zeidman.

### Career and Performances
Gilels made his debut at the age of 16 and quickly gained recognition for his technical brilliance and expressive playing. He performed works by Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin, establishing new interpretations of their compositions. His recordings, including the complete piano works of Chopin and Scriabin, are highly regarded.

### Teaching and Legacy
In 1941, Gilels became a professor at the Moscow Conservatory, where he taught for over 40 years. He mentored many notable pianists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy and Evgeny Kissin. His students and followers continue to uphold his standards of performance and musical integrity.

### Awards and Honors
Gilels received numerous awards and honors, including the Stalin Prize (1946), the Order of Lenin (1967), and the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1951). He was also honored with the Order of the Badge of Honour (1945) and the Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (1945).

### Later Life and Death
Emil Gilels passed away on October 14, 1985, in Moscow. His legacy endures through his recordings, performances, and the influence he had on classical piano music. He remains a celebrated figure in the world of music education and performance.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Archivio Storico Ricordi
4. BnF authorities
5. The Fine Art Archive
6. [Robert Schumann Prize Zwickau - Schumann-Portal](https://www.schumann-portal.de/Robert_Schumann_Prize_of_the_city_of_Zwickau.html)
7. MusicBrainz
8. CiNii Research
9. IMDb
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. SNAC
13. Find a Grave
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Gilels%20Emil)
18. CONOR.SI
19. [gnudb.org about Emil Gilels.](https://gnudb.org/artists/42180-emil-gilels)