SVIATOSLAV RICHTER (1915-1997): The Russian-born Richter is, like Rubinstein, regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time, and is credited with the broadest repertoire. Unlike many of music’s greats, Richter was mainly self-taught. He gave his first piano recital at the comparatively late age of 19 and did not start formal piano studies until 22 when his audition for the Moscow Conservatory was hailed as “genius”.