Walter Gieseking (1895–1956) was an eminent German pianist and composer best known for his nuanced interpretations and recordings of the works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel. Born in Lyon, France, to German parents, Gieseking began playing the piano at a young age and eventually studied at the Hanover Conservatory. With a prodigious memory that allowed him to learn new pieces quickly and a natural affinity for the tonal colors and shading, his playing was characterized by a light touch and an exceptional understanding of the composer's intentions.

Gieseking's career took off in the 1920s, and by the 1950s he was recognized as one of the leading pianists of the time. Although his career was somewhat tarnished by controversy post-World War II due to his alleged Nazi affiliations, his recordings continue to be highly regarded by classical music enthusiasts. During his career, he made numerous groundbreaking recordings, including the complete piano works of Claude Debussy and many of Beethoven's piano sonatas. These recordings are a testament to his masterful technique and his profound interpretive insights. Gieseking's legacy endures through his vast discography, which captures the essence of his extraordinary musicianship and continues to be celebrated by classical music aficionados.

Genres

German Classical Piano

Historic Piano Performance

Related Artists

Vladimir Horowitz

Arthur Rubinstein

Claudio Arrau

Sviatoslav Richter

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Glenn Gould

Emil Gilels

Wilhelm Kempff

Alfred Cortot

Claude Debussy

Erik Satie

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Latest Release

Mozart on the piano vol. 1 (Remastered 2017)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart•

Walter Gieseking

Album - 13 Tracks - Released October 31, 2024