My musical education journey began with private lessons from Daniela Zanotti near my home in Bologna, Italy. These initial lessons ignited my passion for music and paved the way for my enrollment at the renowned Conservatories of Bologna and Florence, serving as the foundational stepping stones for my artistic development.
To further refine my skills and broaden my horizons, I actively sought advanced training at esteemed institutions. At the International Piano Academy of Imola, the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and during my participation in the Taos and Ravinia Festivals, I immersed myself in an array of transformative experiences. These invaluable opportunities allowed me to delve into the intricate world of chamber music under the expert guidance and mentorship of esteemed musicians such as Robert McDonald, Menahem Pressler, Gilbert Kalish, and Claude Frank. Their advice and expertise became invaluable cornerstones of my artistic growth, which I genuinely cherished.
Throughout my musical journey, I have been fortunate to encounter remarkable teachers and mentors who have profoundly influenced my path. While it is impossible to acknowledge each exceptional musician I have worked with, there are several whose impact I would like to emphasize.
Among my principal teachers were Giuseppe Fricelli, Lazar Berman, Alexander Lonquich, Franco Scala (albeit briefly), Boris Petrushansky, and Leon Fleisher. Their collective wisdom and guidance played an integral role in shaping my musicality and fostering my artistic aspirations.
Moreover, I hold deep gratitude for Boris Slutsky, who played a pivotal role in my development that cannot be overstated. Despite not being my primary teacher, he provided crucial insights at a pivotal moment in my journey, leaving an indelible impact in just a handful of lessons. His invaluable guidance opened a door for me, illuminating the precise knowledge I needed to discover at that critical juncture. I am forever grateful for his profound influence on my growth as a pianist, and his lessons continue to resonate with me.
Reflecting on my musical education, I recognize that the path was not without its challenges. Each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether it was tackling demanding repertoire, overcoming performance anxieties, or embracing unfamiliar musical genres, these challenges became catalysts for personal and artistic development, reinforcing my resilience and dedication to the craft.
In conclusion, my musical education journey has been shaped by the remarkable teachers and mentors who guided me along the way. From the foundations laid at the conservatories to the transformative experiences at esteemed institutions and festivals, each chapter of my journey has contributed to my growth as a musician. I am forever indebted to these exceptional individuals who shared their expertise, instilled in me a love for music, and propelled me toward artistic fulfillment.
✅ LEON FLEISHER’S LINEAGE:
A. SCHNABEL ➡️ T. LESCHETIZKY ➡️C. CZERNY ➡️ L. VAN BEETHOVEN
Leon Fleisher also studied with MARIA CURCIO and (primarily with) KARL ULRICH SCHNABEL.
I studied with Leon Fleisher, the esteemed American pianist, and conductor with whom I worked for six years when I moved from Italy to the USA (1996). Fleisher’s teaching left an indelible impression on me and profoundly impacted my musical development. He taught me how to approach a score as a conductor, unraveling the nuances between and among the notes. The trajectory of my musical evolution underwent a notable shift after working with him starting in my mid-twenties. As a multi-talented musician and an inspiring individual, he instilled in me a genuine love for music and its essence. Sadly, Mr. Fleisher passed away in 2020. Here is a tribute to his memory I wrote on that occasion.
Leon Fleisher’s musical journey was deeply influenced by a remarkable lineage of musicians and teachers. At the heart of this lineage was his mentor and teacher, the renowned pianist Artur Schnabel (1882-1951). Schnabel himself had the privilege of studying under the esteemed piano pedagogue Theodor Leschetizky (1830-1915).
Theodor Leschetizky’s musical heritage can be traced back to the renowned Carl Czerny (1791-1857), an influential pianist and teacher who nurtured the talents of countless musicians. What makes this lineage even more extraordinary is that Carl Czerny, in turn, had the privilege of studying with Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) himself. This direct association between Czerny and Beethoven firmly establishes Fleisher’s lineage within the rich traditions of Beethoven’s musical legacy.
The interconnectedness and enduring influence of these exceptional musical figures are evident in the remarkable lineage that shaped Leon Fleisher’s musical path. It serves as a testament to the profound impact of these musicians and highlights the ongoing significance of their contributions to the world of classical music.
✅ LAZAR BERMAN’S LINEAGE:
A. GOLDENWEISER ➡️ TANEYEV
For several years previously, I studied with two Russian concert pianists in Italy: Lazar Berman (1930-2005) and Boris Petrushansky (1949). From Berman, I learned some concepts of sound quality simply by watching and listening to him “singing” at the piano. He was Caruso at the piano for me, and it was bewildering to hear his fantastic array of colors. I learned a great deal about character and structure from Lazar Berman.
Previously, I had the privilege of studying with two esteemed Russian concert pianists in Italy: Lazar Berman (1930-2005) and Boris Petrushansky (1949). Under Berman’s tutelage, I had the extraordinary opportunity to witness the art of sound quality simply by observing and listening to him “sing” at the piano. His playing resonated with the spirit of Caruso, leaving me in awe of the magnificent array of colors he could evoke. From Berman, I gleaned invaluable insights into character and structure, further enriching my musical understanding.
The lineage of Berman’s teacher, the renowned Goldenweiser, adds a fascinating historical dimension to my musical heritage. Goldenweiser himself studied under V. Safonoff, who in turn had the privilege of working with T. Leschetizky, N. Zaremba, and L. Grassin. The legacy of Leschetizky, tracing back to Beethoven through Carl Czerny, adds another layer of significance. It is worth noting that Lazar Berman also received guidance (though less frequently) from three prominent concert pianists: M. Yudina, S. Richter (a student of the esteemed S. Neuhaus), and V. Sofronitsky. Neuhaus, himself a student of F. Blumenfield, who studied under R. Korsakov and F. Stein, expanded Berman’s knowledge and skills. Neuhaus also had the privilege of studying with K. Szymanowsky and Michailowski, the latter having received teachings from Moscheles, Reinecke, and Caccius. Sofronitsky, on the other hand, studied with the legendary Shostakovich and M. Yudina (from whom Berman also received lessons). Remarkably, M. Yudina’s lineage can be traced back to Taneyev (through L. Nikolaiev), F. Blumenfeld, and even Beethoven, having studied under Anna Yesipova, who herself was part of T. Leschetizky’s school.
This intricate web of musical lineage and influence underscores the depth and richness of my education, connecting me to the great pianistic traditions of the past. The invaluable teachings passed down through generations of exceptional musicians have shaped my understanding and appreciation of music, inspiring me to continue exploring and evolving as an artist.
The lineage of Berman’s teacher, one of Russia’s historical figures, Goldenweiser, is fascinating. Goldenweiser studied with V. Safonoff, and the latter worked both with T. Leschetizky (whose legacy, again, is traced back to Beethoven via Carl Czerny), N. Zaremba, as well as L. Grassin, who was a student of I. Moscheles. Yet, Lazar Berman also studied (perhaps less regularly) with three prominent concert pianists: M. Yudina, S. Richter (the latter, a student of the great S. Neuhaus, and V. Sofronitsky). In particular, Neuhaus studied with F. Blumenfield, who had worked with R. Korsakov and F. Stein. Neuhaus also studied with K. Szymanowsky and Michailowski (the latter having learned both from Moscheles, Reinecke, and Caccius). Sofronitsky studied with Shostakovich and M. Yudina (Berman, as indicated before, also took some lessons from the latter). Moreover, one can trace M. Yudina’s lineage back to Taneyev (via l. Nikolaev), F. Blumenfeld, and even Beethoven (having studied with Anna Yesipova, herself from the school of T. Leschetizky).
✅ BORIS PETRUSHANSKY’S LINEAGE:
S. NEUHAUS
L. NAUMOV (assistant of Neuhaus)
I. LEVINA
Boris Petrushansky truly ignited my musical imagination. From our very first meeting, I was captivated by his remarkable ability to convey his musical thoughts through an extensive range of meticulously chosen words, in Italian. He would even bring a dictionary to our lessons, highlighting the importance of using language purposefully to accurately express his ideas. Every encounter with him was an inspiring experience, as his vivid descriptions and precise details painted a colorful picture of his musical concepts.
✅ ALEXANDER LONQUICH’S LINEAGE:
PAUL BADURA-SKODA
ANDRZEJ JASINSKI
ILONKA DECKERS-KUESZLER
I also had the privilege of learning from Alexander Lonquich (1960), a renowned German concert pianist. His influence on me was profound, opening my mind and ears to new and unique perspectives. Lonquich possessed such extraordinary talents that I often likened him to Mr. Keating, the inspiring character portrayed by Robin Williams in Peter Weir’s film “Dead Poets Society.” His vast and self-attained knowledge allowed him to seamlessly connect various artistic expressions, showcasing a remarkable cultural depth. As a pianist, chamber musician, and conductor, Lonquich epitomized the essence of a complete musician, setting an exceptionally high standard for me. To this day, I fondly refer to him as “Oh captain, my captain.
✅FRANCO SCALA’S LINEAGE:
C. ZECCHI
G. M. CARMIGNANI
Naturally, I cannot forget my Italian teachers Franco Scala (1937) and Giuseppe Fricelli (1948-2023). I only worked for about one year with Scala, but I discovered a great deal about my shortcomings with him and learned more about the tension of a melodic line and the rapport between the details in a given piece, and how they must always be part of the whole. Franco Scala studied with Carlo Zecchi, who had studied with both F. BusoniI and A. Schnabel. He also learned from G. M. Carmignani, a student of A. Casella who, himself, had worked with Rossini’s favorite pianist, L. Diemer (one of the fathers of the French School), and G. Fauré.
✅GIUSEPPE FRICELLI’S LINEAGE:
➡️ P. R. NARDI ➡️ E. CONSOLO ➡️ G. SGAMBATI ➡️ F. LISZT ➡️ C. CZERNY ➡️ L. VAN BEETHOVEN
Giuseppe Fricelli, my sole mentor for seven years at the Conservatories of Bologna and Florence, left an indelible mark on my musical journey before his passing in 2023. A person of vast cultural knowledge and tireless dedication to his craft, I owe him an immense debt of gratitude. Even now, I unconsciously find echoes of his teachings in my playing, a testament to his profound influence. He guided me in the art of singing through the keyboard, imparting the ability to intertwine melodies while playing the piano. He introduced me to pedagogical literature and supported my endeavors beyond the school, even in moments of occasional disagreement. His open-minded approach resonates with me, and I cherish his lasting impact on my musical growth. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his recordings of four-hand music (especially) and all the living musicians he touched.
I owe my early approach to music to Daniela Zanotti (1960), a music educator and a pianist. Before entering the G. B. Martini Conservatory in Bologna, I worked with her briefly. I recall several memorable moments playing my first four-hand music with her. There was something magic about hearing such an enriched sound from the instrument since all the registers spoke harmoniously. Daniela taught me to read music and instilled a passion for the upright piano’s more private and colorful sound. (I had a very old used upright piano in my music room then, and I still remember the discolored keys and the sweet muffled tones it emitted.)
Finally, I am also grateful to many other pianists who have contributed significantly to my musical journey. Murray Perahia, Rudolf Firkušný, Jörg Demus, Joaquin Achucarro, and Peter Lang are among the exceptional musicians from whom I have gained invaluable insights through masterclasses. Their contributions have enriched my musical education, and I cherish the lessons learned from each of them.
You must be logged in to post a comment.