Raymond Trouard was a French classical pianist who was born on December 22, 1918, in Paris, France. He was the son of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Trouard's talent was quickly recognized, and he was accepted into the Paris Conservatory at the age of 10. At the Conservatory, Trouard studied under some of the most renowned piano teachers of the time, including Marguerite Long and Alfred Cortot. He quickly became known for his technical skill and musicality, and he won several awards and competitions during his time at the Conservatory. After completing his studies at the Conservatory, Trouard began performing professionally. He made his debut in 1938 at the Salle Gaveau in Paris, where he performed works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. The performance was a great success, and Trouard quickly became known as one of the most promising young pianists in France. During World War II, Trouard served in the French army and was captured by the Germans. He spent several years as a prisoner of war, but he continued to practice the piano whenever he could. After the war, Trouard resumed his career as a pianist and quickly regained his reputation as one of the most talented pianists in France. Throughout his career, Trouard performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He was known for his interpretations of the works of Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven, and he was particularly admired for his ability to bring out the emotional depth of these composers' music. One of Trouard's most notable performances was his 1955 performance of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was recorded and released on LP, and it quickly became one of the most popular classical recordings of the time. Trouard's interpretation of the concerto was praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth, and it helped to cement his reputation as one of the greatest pianists of his generation. In addition to his performances, Trouard was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Paris Conservatory and at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, and he had many students who went on to have successful careers as pianists. Throughout his career, Trouard received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors, in 1978, and he was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for his recordings of Chopin's music. Trouard continued to perform and teach until his death on January 29, 2009, at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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