Immerse yourself in the exquisite artistry of Aldo Ciccolini with this captivating collection of early recordings, spanning nearly a decade of his illustrious career. This album showcases Ciccolini's renowned pearly, translucent tone and nimble fingerwork, capturing the essence of his unique interpretive style. Recorded between 1953 and 1962, these performances offer a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of classical music's most beloved pianists.
The album features a diverse repertoire, including works by Mozart, Liszt, Debussy, Ravel, and Scarlatti, among others. From the delicate nuances of Mozart's piano sonatas to the evocative landscapes of Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage," Ciccolini's virtuosity and musical sensitivity shine through each piece. The collection also includes lesser-known gems, such as Albéniz's "Nuits dans les jardins d'Espagne" and Fauré's "Nocturnes," providing a comprehensive overview of Ciccolini's early discography.
Ciccolini's interpretations are marked by a deep understanding of the composers' intentions, coupled with a keen sense of musicality and technical brilliance. His performances are characterized by a delicate touch, precise articulation, and a keen ear for detail, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
This album is a testament to Aldo Ciccolini's enduring legacy as a pianist of exceptional talent and artistry. Whether you are a longtime admirer of his work or a newcomer to his music, this collection of early recordings is sure to captivate and inspire.
BnF Collection 2014BnF Collection 2014
Tracks
Sonate in C Major, Kk. 406 - Recorded On March 26th, 1962Domenico Scarlatti, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate in D Minor, Kk. 9 - Recorded On March 26th, 1962Domenico Scarlatti, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate in D Major, Kk. 492 - Recorded On March 27th, 1962Domenico Scarlatti, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate in E Major, Kk. 380 - Recorded On March 27th, 1962Domenico Scarlatti, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate in G Major, Kk. 432 - Recorded On March 27th, 1962Domenico Scarlatti, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour violon No. 26 in B-Flat Major, K. 378: I. Allegro moderato - Recorded in June 1961Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini, Charles Cyroulnik
Sonate pour violon No. 26 in B-Flat Major, K. 378: II. Andantino sostenuto e cantabile - Recorded in June 1961Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini, Charles Cyroulnik
Sonate pour violon No. 26 in B-Flat Major, K. 378: III. Rondo. Allegro - Recorded in June 1961Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini, Charles Cyroulnik
Sonate pour piano No. 7 in C Major, K. 309: I. Allegro con spirito - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour piano No. 7 in C Major, K. 309: II. Andante un poco adagio - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour piano No. 7 in C Major, K. 309: III. Rondo. Allegretto grazioso - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311: I. Allegro con spirito - Recorded On December 8th, 1953Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311: II. Andante con espressione - Recorded On December 8th, 1953Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311: III. Rondo. Allegro - Recorded On December 8th, 1953Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour piano No. 13 in B-Flat Major, K. 333: I. Allegro - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour piano No. 13 in B-Flat Major, K. 333: II. Andante cantabile - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
Sonate pour piano No. 13 in B-Flat Major, K. 333: III. Allegretto grazioso - Recorded On February 20th, 1956Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aldo Ciccolini
3 Waltzes, Op. 34: No. 3 in F Major - Recorded On June 5th, 1957Frédéric Chopin, Aldo Ciccolini
3 Waltzes, Op. 34: No. 1 in A-Flat Major - Recorded On June 6th, 1957Frédéric Chopin, Aldo Ciccolini
3 Waltzes, Op. 34: No. 2 in A Minor - Recorded On June 7th, 1957Frédéric Chopin, Aldo Ciccolini
Consolations, S. 172: No. 1, Andante con moto - Recorded On September 12th, 1956Franz Liszt, Aldo Ciccolini
Consolations, S. 172: No. 2, Un poco più mosso - Recorded On September 12th, 1956Franz Liszt, Aldo Ciccolini
Années de pèlerinage, première année "Suisse", S.160: No. 6, Vallée d’Obermann - Recorded On December 4th, 1961Franz Liszt, Aldo Ciccolini
Années de pèlerinage, première année "Suisse", S.160: No. 7, Eglogue - Recorded On December 4th, 1961Franz Liszt, Aldo Ciccolini
Années de pèlerinage, première année "Suisse", S.160: No. 9, Les cloches de Genève - Recorded On December 5th, 1961Franz Liszt, Aldo Ciccolini
Symphonie sur un chant montagnard français, Op. 25: I. Assez lent - Recorded in June 1953Vincent d'Indy, Aldo Ciccolini, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Symphonie sur un chant montagnard français, Op. 25: II. Assez modéré - Recorded in June 1953Vincent d'Indy, Aldo Ciccolini, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Symphonie sur un chant montagnard français, Op. 25: III. Animé - Recorded in June 1953Vincent d'Indy, Aldo Ciccolini, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Fêtes galantes, premier receuil, L. 32: No. 3, Clair de lune - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
Pierrot, L. 15 - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
Apparition, L. 53 - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
Mandoline, L. 29 - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
Zéphyr, L. 12 - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
3 Mélodies de Verlaine, L. 81: No. 3, L'échelonnement des haies - Recorded in June 1957Claude Debussy, Aldo Ciccolini, Janine Micheau
Trois nocturnes: No. 1, Doux et calme - Recorded in February 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini
Trois nocturnes: No. 2, Simplement - Recorded in February 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini
Trois nocturnes: No. 3, Un peu mouvementé - Recorded in February 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini
Trois morceaux en forme de poire pour piano à quatre mains: No. 3, Morceau I. Lentement - Recorded in March 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini, Gabriel Tacchino
Trois morceaux en forme de poire pour piano à quatre mains: No. 4, Morceau II. Enlevé - Recorded in March 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini, Gabriel Tacchino
Trois morceaux en forme de poire pour piano à quatre mains: No. 5, Morceau III. Brutal - Recorded in March 1956Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini, Gabriel Tacchino
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: I. Allegro moderato - Recorded in November 1958Sergei Rachmaninoff, Aldo Ciccolini, Constantin Silvestri, French National Radio Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: II. Adagio sostenuto, Pt. 1 - Recorded in November 1958Sergei Rachmaninoff, Aldo Ciccolini, Constantin Silvestri, French National Radio Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: II. Adagio sostenuto, Pt. 2 - Recorded in November 1958Sergei Rachmaninoff, Aldo Ciccolini, Constantin Silvestri, French National Radio Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: III. Allegro scherzando - Recorded in November 1958Sergei Rachmaninoff, Aldo Ciccolini, Constantin Silvestri, French National Radio Orchestra
Nuits dans les jardins d'Espagne: I. Au Généralife - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter, Aldo Ciccolini
Nuits dans les jardins d'Espagne: II. Danse lointaine - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter, Aldo Ciccolini
Nuits dans les jardins d'Espagne: III. Dans les jardins de la Sierra de Cordoue - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter, Aldo Ciccolini
Homenajes: No. 1, Fanfare Sobre el Nombre de E.F. Arbós - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter
Homenajes: No. 2, A Claude Debussy. Elegía de la Guitarra - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter
Homenajes: No. 3, A Paul Dukas. Spes vitæ - Recorded in December 1953Manuel de Falla, French National Radio Orchestra, Ernesto Halffter
Aldo Ciccolini, the renowned Italian-born French pianist, captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive pearly, translucent tone and remarkable technical agility. Born in Naples in 1925, Ciccolini began his piano journey at a tender age and quickly showcased his prodigious talent, gaining entrance to prestigious institutions at just nine years old. Throughout his illustrious career, Ciccolini became particularly celebrated for his interpretations of French music, although his repertoire spanned a wide range of classical piano works, from Tchaikovsky and Liszt to Schubert and Debussy. His recordings, such as the comprehensive collection of Erik Satie's piano works, remain cherished by classical music enthusiasts. Ciccolini's legacy as a distinguished pianist and dedicated pedagogue continues to inspire, reflecting his deep love and serious commitment to the art of piano playing.