Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 7, 1899 in Paris, France

Death

:

September 19, 1972 in Paris, France

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Robert Casadesus was a French classical pianist and composer who was born on April 7, 1899, in Paris, France. He was the youngest of three children born to Henri Casadesus, a violist, and Marie-Louise Beetz, a pianist. Robert's siblings, Marius and Henriette, were also musicians, and the family was known for their musical talent. Robert began playing the piano at a young age and showed great promise. He studied with Louis Diémer at the Paris Conservatory and made his debut at the age of 17, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Lamoureux Orchestra. He quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso pianist and was praised for his technical skill and musicality. In 1921, Robert married Gaby Casadesus, a pianist and the daughter of Henriette Renié, a harpist. The couple often performed together, and their collaborations were highly regarded. They had two children, Jean and Thérèse, who both became musicians as well. Robert's career took off in the 1920s and 1930s, and he became known for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann. He also performed and recorded works by contemporary composers such as Ravel, Debussy, and Stravinsky. In 1935, he premiered Ravel's Piano Concerto in G, which was dedicated to him. During World War II, Robert and his family fled to the United States, where he continued to perform and teach. He became a professor at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and taught there for many years. He also performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and other major orchestras in the United States. Robert's career continued to flourish in the post-war years, and he performed and recorded extensively. He was known for his elegant and refined playing style, and his recordings of Mozart's piano concertos are still considered some of the best ever made. In addition to his performing career, Robert was also a composer. He wrote several works for piano, including a piano concerto, and his music was well-regarded by his contemporaries. Robert received many honors and awards throughout his career. He was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1934 and was promoted to Officer in 1952. He also received the Grand Prix du Disque and the Edison Award for his recordings. Robert Casadesus died on September 19, 1972, in Paris, France, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, known for his technical skill, musicality, and refined playing style. His recordings continue to be admired and studied by pianists around the world.

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