Piano Works: Cziffra (1959, 1962, 1963)

The present release presents one of the twentieth centurys most virtuosic performers in a programme of works by Chopin. The noted Hungarian-born French pianist, Georges Cziffra, was a son of Hungarian Romas. He became noted at the age of 5, improvising on popular tunes in bars and circuses. His teachers at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest included Erno Dohnnyi. His education was interrupted by World War II, when he served in the Hungarian army. After the war he continued his studies at the Franz Liszt Academy with Ferenczi, but was once more distracted from music when he was arrested in 1950 for his rebellious political views, and was held under forced labor. He was released from jail in 1953, but was again endangered by the abortive Hungarian revolt in 1956. He went on to escape with his wife and son to Vienna, where his career skyrocketed. He became best known for his interpretations of works of the Romantic repertoire, most notably those of Liszt, Chopin, and Schumann.