Definition
Ruth Laredo (November 20 1937 – May 25 2005) was an American classical pianist renowned for her pioneering recordings of the complete piano works of Alexander Scriabin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as for her performances and educational activities in the United States.
Overview
Born Ruth Meckler in Detroit, Michigan, Laredo displayed prodigious musical talent from early childhood. After studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, she moved to New York City in 1960, where she married violinist Jaime Laredo. Their marriage produced a daughter, Jennifer, before ending in divorce in 1974.
Laredo’s career gained international attention in the 1970s when she recorded the ten piano sonatas of Scriabin for the Connoisseur Society, becoming the first pianist to issue a complete cycle of these works. This success led to a contract with CBS Masterworks, through which she recorded the entire solo piano output of Rachmaninoff between 1974 and 1979, a project she later described as life‑saving.
Beyond recording, Laredo was a dedicated educator, teaching at Yale University and presenting “Concerts with Commentary” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for over sixteen years. She also contributed scholarly editions of Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes, authored articles for music journals, and hosted classical‑music programs on National Public Radio and WQXR.
Laredo died of ovarian cancer in New York City at age 67 and is buried in Kensico Cemetery, near the grave of Rachmaninoff. In her memory, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions established the Ruth Laredo Memorial Prize.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Laredo” was adopted from her marriage to Jaime Laredo; her birth name was Ruth Meckler. “Ruth” is a Hebrew given name meaning “friend” or “companion,” commonly used in English‑speaking contexts.
Characteristics
- Repertoire focus: Laredo specialized in Russian Romantic repertoire, particularly the works of Scriabin and Rachmaninoff, but also recorded pieces by Ravel and other composers.
- Recording milestones: First pianist to record Scriabin’s complete piano sonatas (1970s) and Rachmaninoff’s complete solo piano works (1974‑1979).
- Scholarly contributions: Produced Urtext editions of Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes, emphasizing fidelity to the composer’s manuscripts.
- Performance style: Known for technically assured playing, expressive phrasing, and a distinctive stage presence that often included elegant gowns.
- Educational impact: Served on the faculty of Yale School of Music and mentored young artists through concert series and jury service.
Related Topics
- Alexander Scriabin – Russian composer whose piano sonatas were recorded in full by Laredo.
- Sergei Rachmaninoff – Russian composer whose complete solo piano works were recorded by Laredo.
- Jaime Laredo – Violinist and former husband of Ruth Laredo.
- Young Concert Artists International Auditions – Competition that awarded Laredo early in her career and later honored her with a memorial prize.
- Curtis Institute of Music – Institution where Laredo received her formal musical training.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art “Concerts with Commentary” – Long‑running series presented by Laredo that combined performance with educational discussion.