The acclaimed but reclusive Italian pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli has died at age 75. The death occurred on Monday, following several days' hospitalization.
Hailed by many, including other musicians, as one of the supreme keyboard artists of his time, Michelangeli was a mysterious figure who zealously guarded his private life.According to the New York Times, he was famous for canceling performances at a moment's notice. He abruptly halted a 1948-49 American tour at midpoint because he felt the show-business atmosphere fostered by American promoters was not conducive to his work. As recently as 1986, Michelangeli refused to continue a recital in Zurich because fresh air allowed into the hall on the day of the recital had thrown off the tuning of the piano.
Born in Brescia, Italy, in 1920, Michelangeli began studying the violin at age 4 and the organ at 5. At 10, he settled on the piano, and entered the Milan Conservatory. In 1940, he captured first prize in the Geneva Competition, prompting the jury chairman, the celebrated pianist Alfred Cortot, to remark: "In this boy there is some Liszt and Paderewski."
During World War II, Michelangeli served as a pilot in the Italian air force and was captured late in the war by the Germans, who, he later said, "hose-whipped" his hands and arms when they discovered he was a pianist.
In later years, his teaching was unconventional and legendary. He rented several castles near his home in Florence, calling each an International Academy. Young pianists would be invited to live there free of charge. Michelangeli provided private instruction, planned the menus and kept his students to a strict schedule, with practice beginning every morning at 7. Two pianists who revered their work with him were Martha Argerich and Maurizio Pollini.
Michelangeli was married, but little is known of his private life.