Italian Pianists

Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) – Composer, pianist, conductor, teacher and piano manufacturer. Called the “Father of the Piano”. Considered one of the greatest composers of all time. One of the first men to compose music for the piano and also the first virtuoso on the piano, He developed a unique style which he passed on to a generation of pianists. His piano sonatas strongly influenced Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn. He was regarded by Beethoven as the greatest piano master.

Adolfo Fumagalli (1828-1856) – Pianist and composer. Known as the “Paganini of the Piano”. Remembered primarily for his compositions for the left hand alone.

Giovanni Sgambati (1841-1914) – Composer, pianist and conductor. The most important Italian pianist of the 19th century. Together with Giuseppe Martucci, his music marked the beginning of the revival of non-operatic instrumental music in Italy.

Alfonso Rendano (1853-1931) – Pianist and composer. He invented the independent pedal for the piano.

Giuseppe Martucci (1856-1909) – Composer, pianist and conductor. Together with Giovanni Sgambati, his music marked the beginning of the revival of non-operatic instrumental music in Italy.

Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) – Composer, pianist and conductor. Considered one of the greatest pianists of all time.

Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) – Composer, pianist and conductor. Part of the Generation of 1880, a generation of composers inspired by Italian Renaissance and Baroque music who sought to revive non-operatic instrumental music in Italy.

Nino Rota (1911-1979) – Composer, pianist and conductor. One of the most prolific cinematic composers of all time. Remembered for his 171 film scores. He was also a celebrated pianist.

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (1920-1995) – Widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.

Sergio Fiorentino (1927-1998) – Pianist and teacher. Regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Michelangeli called him “the only other pianist”.

Dino Ciani (1941-1974) – One of the great pianists of Italy. His life was tragically cut short at age 32.

Bruno Canino (b. 1935) – Pianist, harpsichordist and composer. Best known as an interpreter of contemporary music.

Roberto Cacciapaglia (b. 1953) – Pianist and composer. Known for blending electronic experimental music with the classical tradition.

Ludovico Einaudi (b. 1955) – Pianist and composer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living composers of piano music.

Andrea Bocelli (b. 1958) – Singer, songwriter and tenor. Although best known for his opera and pop music, he also performs as a pianist.