Obituary: Nikita Magaloff

NIKITA MAGALOFF was not only one of the outstanding pianists of our time but also a great pedagogue, anxious to pass on his knowledge to the younger generations, writes Carola Grindea (further to the obituary by Noel Goodwin, 28 December). Teaching played an important role in his life and when EPTA - the European Piano Teachers Association - was founded in 1978 he was one of the first international artists to greet the event, by offering to be its Vice-President.

The well-being of pianists was of great importance to him, as he himself had been through a phase when he encountered difficulties which brought him to rethink his approach to piano-playing and to teaching. His master-classes are well remembered by those who attended them for the almost immediate results in greater freedom of technique as well as finer renderings.

Among the well-known pianists who have been his students is the Argentinian Martha Argerich, who remained a devoted friend until his death.