Birth

:

January 23, 1936

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Cécile Ousset was a French classical pianist who was born on January 23, 1936, in Tarbes, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was sent to study at the Paris Conservatory when she was just 12 years old. Ousset's early training was under the tutelage of Marguerite Long, a renowned French pianist. She continued her studies with Long until she won the first prize at the Conservatory in 1953. After her graduation, Ousset went on to study with other notable pianists, including Wilhelm Kempff and Alfred Cortot. In 1956, Ousset won the prestigious Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition, which launched her career as a concert pianist. She made her debut at the Wigmore Hall in London the following year and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. Throughout her career, Ousset performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She was particularly known for her interpretations of the works of French composers, such as Ravel, Debussy, and Saint-Saëns. One of Ousset's most notable performances was her rendition of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1978. The performance was recorded and released on the EMI label, and it received critical acclaim. Ousset's interpretation of the concerto was praised for its clarity, precision, and sensitivity. Ousset was also a prolific recording artist, and she recorded over 100 albums throughout her career. Her recordings of the works of Ravel, Debussy, and Saint-Saëns are considered some of the best interpretations of these composers' works. In addition to her performances and recordings, Ousset was also a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Paris Conservatory and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. Many of her students went on to have successful careers as pianists. Ousset received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1985, she was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors. She was also awarded the Order of Merit by the French government in 1998. Ousset retired from performing in 2006, but her legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century lives on. Her recordings continue to be admired by music lovers and critics alike, and her influence on the world of classical music is still felt today.

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