The Essential Classics: The 100th Anniversary

Celebrate the enduring legacy of György Cziffra, one of the most celebrated piano virtuosos of the postwar era, with this exquisite collection released on the centenary of his birth. "The Essential Classics: The 100th Anniversary" is a testament to Cziffra's unparalleled skill and unique interpretive powers, showcasing his extraordinary range and technical brilliance.

This album features a captivating selection of 12 tracks, each a masterclass in piano performance. From the virtuosic "Grand galop chromatique" by Liszt to the enchanting "Valse triste" arranged by Cziffra himself, every piece is performed with a level of artistry that only a true master can achieve. The album also includes Cziffra's arrangements of iconic works like "The Blue Danube" and "Flight of the Bumblebee," demonstrating his ability to breathe new life into familiar melodies.

Recorded with the Hungarian State Orchestra under the baton of Zoltán Rozsnyai, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Cziffra's work or a newcomer to his artistry, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. With a duration of just over an hour and a quarter, it's the perfect way to spend some time with one of the 20th century's most remarkable musicians.

György Cziffra, born in Budapest in 1921, was a Hungarian-French pianist renowned for his extraordinary virtuosity and unique interpretations. A protégé of Ernő Dohnányi, who studied under Liszt's favourite pupil, Cziffra's career spanned the postwar decades, leaving an indelible mark on the European classical music scene. His performances were nothing short of electrifying, often leaving critics awestruck and bewildered by his rapacious technique and profound musicality. Cziffra's repertoire was vast, but he was particularly celebrated for his renditions of Liszt and Chopin. His recordings, such as the complete works of Liszt on EMI France, offer a testament to his artistry and remain essential listening for classical piano enthusiasts. Cziffra passed away in 1994, but his legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century endures.