Dinu Lipatti

Dinu Lipatti
Dinu Lipatti
Dinu Lipatti
Background information
Birth nameConstantin Lipatti
Born1 April [O.S. 19 March] 1917
Bucharest, Kingdom of Romania
Died2 December 1950(1950-12-02) (aged 33)
Geneva, Switzerland
GenresClassical Music
OccupationPianist • Composer
LabelsEMI
Formerly ofThe Romanian Academy

Constantin "Dinu" Lipatti (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈdinu liˈpati] ; 1 April [O.S. 19 March] 1917 – 2 December 1950) was a Romanian classical pianist and composer whose career was cut short by his death from effects related to Hodgkin's disease at age 33. He was elected posthumously to the Romanian Academy. He composed few works, all of which demonstrated a strong influence from Hungarian composer Béla Bartok.[1]

A relentless perfectionist, Lipatti often prepared many years for major performances, such as four years for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 and three for Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. He left a small number of recordings, and they are well-regarded, particularly that of Alborada del gracioso from Ravel's Miroirs suite. In his short lifetime he was highly acclaimed by many musical figures of the 20th century, namely Yehudi Menuhin, Alfred Cortot, Nadia Boulanger, and Francis Poulenc.[1]

  1. ^ a b Shawe-Taylor, Desmond (2001). "Lipatti, Dinu". Grove Music Online. Revised by Bryce Morrison. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.16724. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0. (subscription or UK public library membership required)