Claudio Marcotulli is a renowned Italian jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He was born on March 12, 1954, in Rome, Italy. Marcotulli grew up in a family of musicians, and his father was a jazz pianist. He started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He studied classical music at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and later switched to jazz. In the early 1970s, Marcotulli started playing with various jazz bands in Rome. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented pianist and was soon playing with some of the biggest names in Italian jazz, including Enrico Rava, Paolo Fresu, and Gianluigi Trovesi. In 1976, he formed his own band, the Marcotulli Trio, which became one of the most popular jazz groups in Italy. Marcotulli's music is a blend of jazz, classical, and world music influences. He is known for his virtuosic piano playing and his ability to create complex, multi-layered compositions. His music is often described as "lyrical" and "poetic," and he is considered one of the most innovative jazz pianists of his generation. In the 1980s, Marcotulli started to gain international recognition for his music. He played at major jazz festivals around the world, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. He also collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, and Steve Lacy. In 1991, Marcotulli released his first solo album, "Piano Solo." The album was a critical and commercial success and established Marcotulli as a major force in the jazz world. He went on to release several more solo albums, including "Live in Japan" (1993), "My Songbook" (1995), and "Faces" (2000). Marcotulli has also composed music for film and television. He wrote the score for the Italian film "La Scuola" (1995) and the French film "Le Fils du Requin" (1993). He has also composed music for several Italian television shows, including "La Piovra" and "Il Commissario Montalbano." In addition to his work as a musician, Marcotulli is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several music schools in Italy and has conducted masterclasses around the world. He is known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire young musicians. Marcotulli has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he was awarded the "Premio Tenco" for his contributions to Italian music. In 2002, he was awarded the "Ambrogino d'Oro," the highest honor given by the city of Milan. In 2010, he was awarded the "Prix de l'Académie du Jazz" for his album "Nostalgia." Today, Marcotulli continues to perform and record music. He is considered one of the most important jazz musicians in Italy and a major figure in the international jazz scene. His music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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