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Does anyone have any interesting facts about Vladimir Ashkenazy? I've read his auto-biography but as it was more about him and Russian politics (and not so much about actual music-making specifically) I wondered whether anyone had any amusing anecdotes?

Not really, but while we're on the subject of Ashkenazy, may I give my opinion on him?

I think he's almost "too" well-rounded. I mean, the man plays EVERYTHING, but I've never realy been very impressed with any of it. Technically he's brilliant, but musically, I don't know, I feel he always leaves a little something to be desired.

Though I agree with NoteAction for the most part, I think he plays Rachmaninoff's preludes overall better than anyone else.

Mike

I agree totally with mkesfahani. I think that his Rachmaninoff is excellent...he really seems to understand him and the Russian themes of his music.
I am semi-partial, just because Ashkenazy's Rachmaninoff is what i " grew up" on. But even now when i listen to it compared to other artists, it seems like Ashkenazy really has a solid grip of Russian music in general.