Russian Pianist Mikhail Muntian has Died, Aged 89

Muntian performed as a duo with Yuri Bashmet for over 30 years in numerous recordings and over 500 concerts

Born in Moscow in 1935, pianist Mikhail Muntian studied at the Gnesin Academy of Music with Yakov Flier. 

From 1967 to 1970, he performed and recorded extensively as a harpsichordist with Rudolf Barshai’s Moscow Chamber Orchestra. In 1975, Muntian premiered Shostakovich’s last work, the Viola Sonata Op. 147, with Fiodor Drujinin, who was the violist of the esteemed Beethoven Quartet. 

Additionally, he was a renowned chamber music partner of violinist and violist Yuri Bashmet; in over three decades from 1976, the duo performed more than 500 concerts together in programs including works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Fauré, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Schubert, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Schnittke, Denisov, Kancheli, and more. 

Throughout his career, Muntian also appeared in concert halls across Europe, the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. 

He recorded more than 20 discs, including several with Bashmet in many contemporary Russian compositions for viola and piano. His albums garnered prestigious awards such as the Choc du Monde de la Musique and the Diapason d’Or prizes. 

Our condolences to Mr. Muntian’s family, friends, and colleagues.