Alfredo Piatti, a cellist and composer, began his musical career at age eight, succeeding his great-uncle in the theatre orchestra.
Performer Biography
Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, the cellist on this recording, was given a violin at age three but insisted on holding it between his knees, leading to his career as a cellist.
Composer Biography
Niels Viggo Bentzon, a Danish composer, was known as "The forceful genius of Danish music" due to his prolific output, approaching opus 700 by 1997.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Alfredo Piatti's 12 Caprices, Opus 25, are primarily for teaching but are also considered excellent music, drawing inspiration from Italian opera melodies and Niccolò Paganini's violin caprices.
Composition History
Niels Viggo Bentzon composed his 16 Etudes, Opus 464, for solo cello in a single night after a conversation with cellist Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, who requested contemporary studies.
Composer Biography
Alfredo Piatti, a cellist, made his London debut in 1844 and was so successful that Felix Mendelssohn began composing a concerto for him, though the manuscript was lost.
Composer Biography
Alfredo Piatti, after falling ill and selling his cello, met Franz Liszt, who admired his playing and gifted him a cello by Nicolò Amati.
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