Schnabel (1909-2001), the son of famed pianist Artur Schnabel, began playing piano at the age of five and made his concert debut in 1926. In the following decades, he pursued a brilliant solo career as well as reviving the piano duo tradition, first performing four-hands with his father, then his American wife, Helen Fogel, and later with Joan Rowland. During his long career, he was also the teacher of several of the great pianists of our time, including Leon Fleisher, Peter Serkin, Richard Goode and Claude Frank.

This video includes biographical material about the Schnabel family, comments by Schnabel’s famous former students, and concentrates on Schnabel's later years as a master teacher. "Con Brio" is a musical term meaning spiritual fire, a cornerstone of Schnabel's teaching. The effect of this passion upon both pupil and audience is deeply moving. Schnabel also possessed a special genius to teach what most believe to be unteachable--musicality. Through the power of his dedication and example, he touched thousands during his remarkable life and career.