Gary Graffman, born on October 14, 1928, in New York City, is an American pianist and teacher celebrated for his deep involvement in classical music across the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. A prodigious talent from a young age, Graffman entered the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where he later returned as a revered faculty member and, between 1986 and 2006, served as its president. His recording career flourished in the 1950s through the 1970s, during which he became known for his interpretations of the Romantic and Russian repertoires, including notable performances of works by Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Beethoven.

Despite an injury in his right hand later in his career that limited him to the left-handed repertoire, Graffman did not retire from music. Instead, he continued to contribute significantly by focusing on teaching and exploring compositions written specifically for the left hand, such as Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand and Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 4. His impact reaches beyond performance into nurturing the next generation of musicians, having taught and mentored many of today's leading classical pianists. Graffman's later recordings, including collaborative works with the Moscow String Quartet and explorations of live violin sonatas, underscore his adaptability and enduring passion for chamber music. His legacy is not just one of performance brilliance but also of deep influence in the development of classical music talent and repertoire expansion in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Genres

American Classical Piano

Latest Release

Rachmaninoff, Bartók & Viotti (Live)

Gary Graffman

Album - 8 Tracks - Released May 23, 2023