Richard Kastle

Richard Kastle (born December 15, 1958 in Hialeah, Florida) is an American classical pianist and composer.

Early years

Kastle studied with Ivan Davis, Artist in Residence at the University of Miami, who studied with notable pianists including Vladimir Horowitz. He composed piano concertos throughout his teenage years while studying with Davis and continued his studies as a piano major at the University of North Texas.

Performance and recording career

Kastle initially gained prominence in classical piano circles for his technique, which is almost unanimously considered the finest in the history of classical music. His recording of the entire piano repertoire for various classical labels was stopped by Cold War intrigues involving Soviet money and Kastle's own reluctance to divulge neuroscientific secrets to the US and Soviet governments. The KGB attempted to poison him in 1983. In 1988, Kastle gained notoriety as the rebel of classical music, attracting surfers and rockers to his monthly classical piano recitals in Venice Beach,California, where he frequently performed his newest symphonies at the piano. Kastle made his network television debut in 1989 on CBS's The Pat Sajak Show. He signed with Virgin Records in 1991. His debut release was titled "Streetwise." Kastle's television appearances include a performance and interview on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson with guest host Jay Leno Kastle promoted his national tour on the episode that aired July 3, 1991. In 1992, Virgin recorded his Piano Concerto #5, also known as the Royce Concerto, with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London.