Nikita Magaloff

Renowned Russian-born Swiss classical pianist

Born: 21 February 1912, Magalashvili (8 February 1912 in old calendar) Died: 26 December 1992, Vevey Georgian-Russian pianist, left Russia in 1918 for Finland, then for Paris. There he studied together with Isidor Philipp. Other contacts he made include Maurice Ravel and Sergei Prokofiev. Nikita Magaloff was the first to record Frédéric Chopin's complete piano works. Prefering to start from Chopin's original manuscripts, instead of the posthumously editions of his work, he removed the over-sentimental aspect often found in interpretations of Chopin. Magaloff is also appreciated for his interpretations of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's works. In 1949, he took over the master classes of Dinu Lipatti at the Geneva Conservatory. There he teached until 1960. Pupils of him include Martha Argerich, Maria Tipo, Ingrid Haebler and Lionel Rogg.