György Cziffra (1921–1994) was a Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer, renowned for his exceptional technique and charismatic performances. Born into a poor family in Budapest, Cziffra's prodigious talent at the piano was evident from a young age. Despite the hardships of World War II and a difficult post-war period, which included a harrowing escape from Communist Hungary, Cziffra established a successful career in Western Europe, especially in France where he became a citizen. His repertoire focused mainly on Romantic music, with a special affinity for the works of Franz Liszt, showcasing his flair for theatrics and technical prowess.

Cziffra's recordings display not only his technical brilliance but also his deeply sensitive and often unconventional interpretations. Among his most celebrated recordings are his incendiary renditions of Liszt's piano works, where his extraordinary facility allowed him to take on the composer's most demanding pieces, such as the "Mephisto-Walzer" and various Transcendental Etudes, with unrivaled passion and precision. The distinctive intensity and spontaneity of Cziffra's playing also shine in his own transcriptions and improvisations, where classical themes are transformed with exhilarating bravura. Despite occasional criticism for his flamboyant style, Cziffra's legacy endures, revered for the excitement he brought to the concert hall and for his contributions to the recorded legacy of classical piano music.

Genres

Classical Piano

Hungarian Classical Piano

Latest Release

Études (Remastered 2023)

Frédéric Chopin•

György Cziffra

Album - 12 Tracks - Released May 10, 2024