Sviatoslav Richter (1915–1997) was one of the greatest pianists of all time, born in Zhytomyr and raised in Odesa, where his youth passed and his formation as a musician took place.
Richter is regarded as the embodiment of the pianist-philosopher: his interpretations astonished with intellectual depth, a colossal repertoire — from Bach to the music of the 20th century — and, at the same time, a complete subordination of his own ego to the composer's intent. He shunned outward brilliance for the sake of the truth of the musical content. Richter's concerts became events of world scale, and his recordings remain a model for pianists everywhere. A native of Ukraine, he inscribed his name forever in the history of world performing art.
