Artur Pizarro - piano
Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1968, Artur Pizarro gave his first public performance at the age of three and made his television début on Portuguese television at the age of four. He had been introduced to the instrument by his maternal grandmother, pianist Berta da Nóbrega, and her piano-duo partner, Campos Coelho, who was a student of Vianna da Motta, Ricardo Viñes and Isidor Philipp. From 1974 to 1990 Artur studied with Sequeira Costa who had also been a student of Vianna da Motta and of Mark Hamburg, Edwin Fischer, Marguerite Long and Jacques Février. This distinguished lineage immersed Artur in the tradition of the ‘Golden Age' of pianism and gave him a broad education in both the German and French piano schools and repertoire. After initial studies in Lisbon, Artur moved to Lawrence, Kansas in the USA and continued working with Sequeira Costa who is Distinguished Professor of Piano at the University of Kansas. During a brief interruption of his studies in the USA, Artur also studied with Jorge Moyano in Lisbon, and in Paris worked with Aldo Ciccolini, Géry Moutier and Bruno Rigutto.
Artur began performing publicly again at the age of 13 with a recital début at the São Luíz Theatre in Lisbon and made his concerto debut with the Gulbenkian Orchestra later in the same year. While still under the tutelage of Costa, Artur won first prizes in the 1987 Vianna da Motta Competition, the 1988 Greater Palm Beach Symphony Competition and won first prize at the 1990 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, which marked the beginning of an international concert career.
Artur Pizarro performs internationally in recital, chamber music and with the world's leading orchestras and conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Philippe Entremont, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Sir Andrew Davis, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Yuri Temirkanov, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Ilan Volkov, Franz Welser- Most, Tugan Sokhiev, Yakov Kreizberg, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Libor Pešek, Vladimir Jurowski and Sir Charles Mackerras.
Artur is an active chamber musician and has performed at chamber music festivals throughout the world. In 2005 he formed the Pizarro Trio with violinist Raphaël Oleg and cellist Josephine Knight. Artur also performs as a piano duo with Vita Panomariovaite. The duo released Rimsky-Korsakov - Piano Duos (Linn CKD 293) to great acclaim with BBC Online observing ‘...the two pianists respond with a unity that shimmers...'
In February 2003 Artur Pizarro released Beethoven Piano Sonatas (Linn CKD 244) to outstanding critical acclaim: ‘Let no one say there is no room for another set of established masterpieces when the pianist is possessed with this sort of recreative energy and exuberance' (Gramophone). After performing the cycle of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas in the United States and twice in Portugal, Artur performed the cycle at St. John's, Smith Square, London which was broadcast by BBC Radio 3. The cycle earned Artur a Royal Philharmonic Society nomination for ‘Best Series'.
In 2005 Artur released Reminiscences (Linn CKD 248), a collection of Chopin's best loved works for solo piano and, in 2006, Artur released Chopin Piano Sonatas for Linn Records (Linn CKD 250). ‘The majestic Third Sonata can hardly be bettered and with the fine natural recorded sound we could very well have the Chopin release of the year' (Pianist Magazine).
Throughout 2005-06 Artur dedicated himself to performing the complete solo works of Ravel and Debussy in England and Denmark. All six concerts in London were broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and Artur has recorded The Complete Piano Works of Maurice Ravel Vol. I and II for Linn Records (Linn CKD 290 and Linn CKD 315), ‘...for those who value above all the intoxicating allure of these treasurable pieces, Pizarro has no rivals' (International Record Review).
With the Petersen Quartet, Artur recorded the Piano Quintet of César Franck on the Phoenix Edition label. This recording was CD of the Month in BBC Music Magazine (November 2008). For Naxos he recorded the complete solo piano works of Joaquín Rodrigo. Artur's recordings of Franz Liszt's complete Hungarian Rhapsodies for piano solo can be found on Brilliant Classics and for Hyperion Artur recorded the works of Vianna da Motta for piano and orchestra with the Gulbenkian Orchestra and the works for two pianos of Darius Milhaud with pianist Stephen Coombs. In April 2009 Linn Records released Artur Pizarro's recordings of Beethoven's 3rd, 4th & 5th piano concertos with Sir Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Throughout 2010 Artur will perform an epic cycle of the complete solo piano works of Chopin at St John's Smith Square in London. The 9 recitals, which begin in February 2010, will mark the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth.
For further information -
www.tomcroxonmanagement.co.ukManagement -
Tom Croxon Management
Fono Forum
"Pizarro deutet die Werke aber eher aus der Sicht eines hochbegabten Aquarellmalers und weniger aus der des scharf konturierenden Zeichners."
more >>The Absolute Sound
"We have here an ideal matching of artist, repertoire and instrument."
more >>Fanfare"There is a kind of yielding elegance to his playing that strikes me..."
more >>Financial Times"the softer, romantically stylised moments are exquisitely handled..."
more >>Gramophone"Artur Pizarro captures their improvised, dreamlike quality to perfection with a golden tone and caressing touch."
more >>Stereophile"Beautiful music, beautiful playing, beautiful recording."
more >>International Record Review"No newcomer to this repertory could be disappointed with Pizarro's accounts..."
more >>Musikzen...Pizarro y fait la preuve de ses compétences techniques et musicales
more >>Irish Times"...Pizarro is beguiling..."
more >>Sunday Herald"...played with enormous flair, colour and sensitivity..."
more >>Classic FM Magazine
Instrumental & Chamber Editor’s Choice: "Artur Pizarro's interpretations offer a richly rewarding alternative view of this music..."
more >>BBC Music MagazineInstrumental Choice: "...his formidable technique provides the means to a musical and poetic end..."
more >>Audio Video Club of Atlanta"At last (and well worth waiting for)...Glorious!"
more >>Opus Musica"Un doble disco -de generoso minutaje- muy recomendable."
more >>North London News"...the prodigally talented Artur Pizarro unquestionably ranks among the most sensitive and capable..."
more >>SA-CD.net"His playing is always beautiful, capturing the dream-like romance of these vignettes..."
more >>The Daily Mail"Artur Pizarro is in full command of these suites."
more >>The Guardian"...Pizarro captures that slight air of sentimentality perfectly."
more >>Musical Pointers"It is a landmark in recorded history and an essential addition to everyone's library of Spanish piano music."
more >>Klassik.com'...fast transzendente Musizieren ein...'
more >>Gramophone"...a performance of grace and musicianly charm."
more >>StereoMojo"This is a very clever bit of pianism."
more >>Keswick Reminder"...[a] fine collaboration..."
more >>Opus Musica"...gran música en excelentes condiciones."
more >>International Record ReviewIRR Outstanding: "...nearly two hours of unalloyed delight."
more >>MusicWeb International"...this is a wonderful issue."
more >>Audiophile Audition"...the results are sterling. Warmly recommended..."
more >>The Herald"...electric and integrated Beethoven performances. A great set..."
more >>Audio Video Club of Atlanta"...there's a real verve and a reveling in the ambiance of gorgeous musical sounds..."
more >>The Scotsman"...the overall impression is of unanimous intention and glorious teamwork."
more >>Sunday Herald"outstanding performances, always satisfying and frequently inspiring."
more >>BBC Online"...multi-faceted and magnificent..."
more >>Sempre Audio"Die Audioqualität ist in jedem Fall überragend und sowohl in Stereo als auch Surround atemberaubend."
more >>Musical Pointers"This must be one of the very best..."
more >>BBC Music Magazine"the recorded sound is ideal."
more >>MusicWeb International"...warm, gleaming and intimate."
more >>Clavier CompanionTwo years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Ravel play his own works on British Duo Art ...
more >>Opus Musica"...es tan brillante como podía esperarse de tan reputado virtuoso."
more >>hi-fi +"We are not short of Ravel discs but I would place this (and the first volume) the top of the list."
more >>Listener"dignified and delicate"
more >>Atlanta Audio Society"...a beautifully focused tone...perfection"
more >>Opus Musica"...sencillamente perfecto..."
more >>HMV ChoiceLovingly sculpted Ravel played on an instrument with a difference...
more >>Klassik.com"Konzentriert und impulsiv, beherrscht und temperamentvoll, klangsinnig und hörend, strukturell und emotional erwärmt."
more >>The List"Pizarro's playing suits Ravel to perfection."
more >>Sunday Herald"These are masterful performances..."
more >>MusicOMH"It is beautiful music played lovingly..."
more >>International Record Review"Pizarro has no rivals."
more >>BBC Online"This is a deeply pleasurable disc, and one I believe Ravel would have approved of."
more >>The Scotsman"Pizarro brings to the table a bold ingenuity and freshness..."
more >>Audiophile Audition"...Pizarro's Bluthner concert grand sounds just about right..."
more >>AudioVideoHD"Magnífico."
more >>The Times"...prances and winks with light-fingered panache."
more >>PolitikenArtur Pizarro er en mild løve, der fortaber sig i strålende klangverdener - til stor glæde for lytterne.
more >>Musical Pointers"There is a quality of attention to detail and focus which grips the attention..."
more >>Financial Times"[Pizarro] shows there is a dreamily seductive side to Ravel."
more >>Metro"...just heavenly."
more >>SA-CD.net"A delight from beginning to end..."
more >>The Observer"a recording to treasure"
more >>International PianoRavel's piano music has rarely been so magically captured on disc as here
more >>Klassik.com'...Artur Pizarro zeigt sich als Kenner der französischen Schule..'
more >>High Fidelity (Danish)Den unge Artur Pizarro er et usædvanligt talent...
more >>ClassicsToday.com...what a phenomenal Gaspard!
more >>Classic FMVolume two? Bring it on.
more >>Atlanta Audio SocietyPizarro plays scintillating Ravel
more >>Pianistthe Chopin release of the year
more >>Independent on SundayAs well as a super-refined approach to sonority, Pizarro has every note where he wants it, plus the power to whip the increasingly opulent decadence of La Valse up to a shatteringly self-destructive climax
more >>The HeraldRavel's warhorses: ...Pizarro’s Ravel is a marriage of clarity, delicacy and unforced virtuosity.
more >>Financial TimesWizardry from Pizarro: Pizarro’s pearl-like clarity casts a spell over music that demands the wizardry of a water-sprite
more >>Manchester Evening NewsThe most notable thing about Ravel's piano works, in the opinion of some, is their near-impossibility to play...
more >>BBC Online'This is a very grown-up disc on all counts. I would definitely recommend it...'
more >>The ScotsmanA recording of 'alluring composure'...
more >>Audiophile AuditionA vivid recording of vibrant music, this disc.
more >>Good Soundhis style is overt and dashing
more >>International Record Reviewcourageous and individual
more >>The Observerelegant and assured
more >>The Sunday Times
torrential but sensitively voiced Chopin interpretations
more >>The HeraldA highly collectable disc
more >>The MetroA brave decision but one with spectacular results
more >>Audiophile Auditiona rich and powerful piano sound
more >>The ScotsmanPizarro unravels their expressive worlds
more >>The HeraldAn achingly beautiful performance; a spellbinding array of insights
more >>Audiophile AuditionOne of the most enjoyable Chopin collections on a disc I have heard...
more >>The GuardianFour stars for Artur's 'distinctive' playing
more >>International Record ReviewA virtuosic performance from a gifted pianist
more >>The ObserverWaltzes, mazurkas, nocturnes, a polonaise and the Fantasie-Impromptu in C sharp minor: all yield new beauties beneath Pizarro's light but firm, sensitive touch.
more >>Scotland on SundayPizarro produces a clear, almost glacial sound.
more >>Classical CD Review.comA fine collection of piano works.
more >>MusicWeb InternationalA gorgeous piano sound...
more >>The Sunday HeraldUnmissable.
more >>BBCiA dazzling performance
more >>The Sunday TimesPizarro always rises to Beethoven's dramatic challenges
more >>The HeraldIn every way a disc to be sought out.
more >>The ScotsmanA mesmerising mix of showmanship and intellect. Compulsive listening.
more >>GramophonePizarro is not frightened to go his own way...
more >>Atlanta Audio Society...A mastery of the musical, emotional and intellectual power of Beethoven...
more >>Hi-Fi Choice...This first disc on the Linn label from Artur Pizarro is a gem...
more >>BBC Music MagazineA recording "delivered with conviction, intelligence and refined pianism"
more >>International Record ReviewLuminous tonal variety...
more >>Hi-Fi ChoiceGreat stuff.
more >>The HeraldSnap this one up now.
more >>