Aldo Ciccolini (1925-2015) launched his career in 1950 after winning the prestigious Marguerite Long Competition. A child prodigy, he dedicated himself to rigorous study, drawing influence from Busoni, Liszt, and the bel canto tradition, which shaped his emotionally charged interpretations – he described himself as a “lirico spinto pianist.”

His rich discography, largely released by Warner/Erato, includes complete piano cycles by Liszt, Saint-Saëns, and Séverac, along with acclaimed performances of Debussy and Satie.

This enriched collection also features exclusive, previously unreleased recordings, including live recitals at the Nohant Festival and a studio session of his favorite encore pieces.

To experience Aldo Ciccolini through his extraordinary recorded legacy is to be immersed in a masterclass of elegance and humility, struck by the richness of his tone or captivated by the mysteries of an entrancing piano.

Born on 15 August 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 endeavours. 

Ciccolini 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, Ciccolini 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. 

Aldo Ciccolini’s 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.

- Salieri Piano Concertos recorded in 1978 for Fonit Cetra
- Recital excerpts from the Nohant Festival: 1972 Schumann, 1982 Schubert & Chopin, previously unreleased
- A selection of his favourite encores recorded in studio in May 2010, previously unreleased