It is remarkable that Ida Haendel has maintained an eight-decade career and at the age of eight-five, in 2013, she was still taking master-classes in London. Last year I reviewed a release of a recital she gave just months short of her eightieth birthday and was amazed by the state of her technique.
The present 5-CD set has just been released and documents Haendel’s connection with this great city. The compilation includes all the recordings she made on her infrequent visits to Prague, both live and studio. The majority of the ‘live’ airings were produced by Czech Radio and are here appearing on CD for the first time. Several have been released previously, so Haendel collectors may stumble across some duplications. However, one thing is certain, this set is of documentary value in showcasing this great lady at her peak.
