Gyorgy Cziffra's legendary recitals at the BBC

1962 and 1963

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György Cziffra  — Pianist

Program notes

Some piano compositions are so difficult that they seem to be designed for superhuman hands. Mission impossible? Not for György Cziffra, legendary Hungarian virtuoso pianist, whose breathtaking dexterity earned him the nickname “the pianist with fifty fingers” and the reputation of being Liszt reborn! Discover his recitals from 1962 and 1963 at the BBC studios, which have since become benchmarks in the field and essential listening to the full range of his virtuosity. He performs a sensational improvisation as a warm-up, as well as works by Chopin and Liszt. From the latter’s repertoire, he performs the dizzying Grand Galop Chromatique, which was already the bravura piece of the composer’s repertoire, acclaimed by his audience.

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Further listening: featured works

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