Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli began studying violin at age three. He later entered the Milan Conservatory as a piano student of Giuseppe Anfossi, graduating at age 14.
In 1939 he won first prize at the Geneva International Piano Competition. He served in the Italian air force during World War II. His debuts in London (1946) and New York (1948) won critical acclaim, and he embarked upon an international career.
Despite a small repertoire as a leading concert pianist, Michelangeli was especially adept at performing pieces by certain composers, including Beethoven’s early compositions, Brahms’Paganini Variations, Chopin’s Ballades, and other works by Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel, and Schumann.
He later taught piano and gave master classes; among his students were Martha Argerich and Maurizio Pollini.
Here is Mr. Michelangeli as he plays the music of Scarlatti:
