Sherman, Russell
Sherman, Russell
Sherman, Russell, American pianist and pedagogue; b. N.Y., March 25, 1930. He took instruction in piano with Steuermann (1941–55), and earned a degree in humanities at Columbia Univ. (B.A., 1949). On Nov. 17, 1945, he made his formal debut in a recital in N.Y., and then pursued a modest concert career while devoting himself mainly to teaching. In 1967 he became chairman of the piano dept. of the New England Cons. of Music in Boston. He was active in promoting contemporary music in chamber ensembles in the Boston area. His performances won praise for their discernment and spontaneity. In 1975 a N.Y. recital attracted attention and quickened interest in his career; in 1978 he performed in Paris and London, and was a soloist with the leading orchs. of Europe. In 1986 he joined the faculty of the Juilliard School in N.Y On March 28, 1993, he played the premiere of Gunther Schuller’s Sonata/Fantasia in Boston. Sherman publ, the vol. Piano Pieces (N.Y, 1996).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire