Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Alfred Cortot

Role / Field:

Renowned Swiss pianist and teacher, celebrated for his poetic interpretation of Romantic repertoire.

Born:

1877-09-26

Died:

1962-06-15

Century / Era:

1877s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Alfred Denis Cortot (English: kor-TOH, French: [alfʁɛd dəni kɔʁto]; 26 September 1877 – 15 June 1962) was a Swiss pianist, conductor, and teacher who lived and worked in France for many years. He was one of the most renowned classical musicians of the 20th century. A pianist of massive repertory, he was especially valued for his poetic insight into Romantic piano works, particularly those of Chopin, Franck, Saint-Saëns and Schumann. For Éditions Durand, he edited editions of almost all piano music by Chopin, Liszt and Schumann.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

A central figure of the French musical culture in his time, he was well known for his piano trio with violinist Jacques Thibaud and cellist Pablo Casals. Cortot was born in Nyon, Vaud, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, to a French father and a Swiss mother. His nationality was French. His first cousin was the composer Edgard Varèse. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Émile Decombes (a student of Frédéric Chopin), and with Louis Diémer, taking a premier prix in 1896.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He made his debut at the Concerts Colonne in 1897, playing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. Between 1898 and 1901 he was a choral coach and subsequently...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Alfred Cortot