Gilels, Emil

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Gilels, Emil (b Odessa, 1916; d Moscow, 1985). Soviet pianist. At age of 5 entered Odessa Cons., début there 1929. Pupil of Heinrich Neuhaus at Moscow Cons. 1935–8. First prize Brussels pf. competition 1938. Début in Paris and London 1954, Philadelphia 1955. Salzburg Fest. début 1969. Brilliant interpreter of Prokofiev sonatas, and also of classics.