Aldo Ciccolini

Born on August 15, 1925, in Naples, Italy, Ciccolini’s musical journey spanned over seven decades, during which he made significant contributions to the world of the piano.

Ciccolini’s prodigious talent emerged early. At the age of nine, he gained admission to the Naples Conservatory, studying under Paolo Denza, a disciple of Ferruccio Busoni. This early mentorship laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. 

He made his official debut at sixteen, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto in F minor at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. His performance was met with critical acclaim, establishing him as a promising young artist. 

In 1949, Ciccolini’s career took a significant turn when he won the prestigious Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris. This achievement opened doors to international stages, allowing him to collaborate with esteemed conductors such as Wilhelm Furtwängler, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Pierre Monteux. 

Embracing France as his second home, he became a French citizen in 1971. He subsequently joined the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he taught from 1970 to 1988. His pedagogical influence shaped the careers of numerous pianists, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Nicholas Angelich. 

Ciccolini was celebrated for his interpretations of French composers, notably Erik Satie and Claude Debussy. His recordings of Satie’s complete piano works are particularly esteemed. Beyond French music, he was a dedicated interpreter of Franz Liszt, bringing depth and insight to the Romantic repertoire. 

Ciccolini continued to perform and record well into his later years, maintaining a vibrant presence in the music scene. He passed away on February 1st, 2015, in Paris, at the age of 89. His legacy endures through his extensive recordings and the generations of pianists he mentored. 

His life and career were marked by a profound dedication to music, both as a performer and educator. His interpretations continue to inspire, and his influence remains significant in the world of the piano.