Aldo Ciccolini

Aldo Ciccolini is a formidable pianist, tackling the works of composers as varied as Mozart and Debussy with a graceful beauty, understated theatricality and technical proficiency that places him among the upper echelon of performing classical musicians. His interpretations of Mozart's work, for instance, perfectly matches the composer's many moods: one moment playful and light, tripping along the keys with a joyful exuberance that's positively infectious, and somber the next, evoking melancholic shades that sweep the listener up in the extraordinary beauty, simplicity of melodic line and overwhelming sense of mood. Meanwhile, Ciccolini's performances of Debussy's pieces are grand and image-laden, perfectly befitting this most Impressionist French composers. A sensitive and romantic spirit exists throughout Ciccolini's work, and the pianist's extensive imagination and ability easily brings to life these delightful and dramatic works.