Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli began studying violin at age three. He later entered 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.
Despite a small repertoire as a leading concert pianist, Michelangeli was especially adept at performing pieces by certain composers, including Beethoven’s early works, as well as Brahms’ Paganini Variations, Chopin’s Ballades and other works.
He later taught piano and gave master classes; among his students were Martha Argerich and Mauricio Pollini.
Michelangeli was reclusive and reputedly did not enjoy public performances. Nonetheless, in his playing Michelangeli displayed an amazing technique marked by great clarity and control of tone, color, and counterpoint. He was considered by some to be one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Here is Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli to play the Sonatas #12 and #11 by Beethoven:
