Published: December 14 2023
A special theatrical performance in Paris is honoring legendary Hungarian pianist György Cziffra. The performance is led by renowned French pianist Pascal Amoyel, who was one of Cziffra's former students.
The tribute performance
"The Pianist with 50 Fingers" is an eighty-minute performance at the Montparnasse Theater, directed by Christian Fromont. It begins with Amoyel sharing his personal story of his first encounter with Cziffra and his journey to becoming a world-famous pianist in Paris. The performance includes storytelling, piano performances of pieces by Schumann, Scriabin, Liszt, and Khachaturian, and a virtuosic improvisation by Amoyel in the style of Cziffra. It concludes with an excerpt from Cziffra's first major concert at the Liszt Academy.
Life of György Cziffra
The performance also delves into the life of György Cziffra, from his childhood in the 13th District of Budapest to his experiences during World War II and his imprisonment as a political prisoner. It highlights Cziffra's time as a bar pianist in Pest and his return to classical music in 1954.
Future performances
The next performance of "The Pianist with 50 Fingers" will be held on Friday in the main hall of the Montparnasse Theater. It is a unique opportunity to witness a tribute to the legacy of György Cziffra and experience the talent of Pascal Amoyel.
Questions & Answers
Who is György Cziffra? György Cziffra was a Hungarian pianist who became world-famous in Paris after defecting from Hungary in 1956. He was known for his virtuosic performances and interpretations of works by composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven.
What is the special theatrical performance in Paris that pays tribute to György Cziffra? The special theatrical performance is called "Le Pianiste aux 50 doigts" (The pianist with 50 fingers). It is an eighty-minute performance at the Montparnasse Theater in Paris, directed by Christian Fromont. The performance is presented by Pascal Amoyel, a former pupil of György Cziffra and a renowned French pianist.
What is the story told in the performance? The performance begins with Pascal Amoyel recounting his first encounter with György Cziffra. He talks about Cziffra's childhood in the 13th District of Budapest and his talent for the piano which quickly became apparent. The story then follows Cziffra's journey, from becoming the youngest student ever admitted to the Budapest Academy of Music to his experiences during the Second World War and his internment by the Soviets. It also covers Cziffra's life as a bar pianist in Pest and his unsuccessful attempt to escape Hungary with his family. The performance concludes with an excerpt from Cziffra's first major concert at home, performed by Amoyel.
When and where does the performance take place? The performance takes place at the Montparnasse Theater in Paris. The next performance is scheduled to take place on Friday in the main hall of the theater.
Who is Pascal Amoyel? Pascal Amoyel is a French pianist who was a former pupil of György Cziffra. He is internationally renowned for his interpretations of works by composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven.
Where did György Cziffra live in Paris? György Cziffra lived in Paris after defecting from Hungary in 1956.
What did György Cziffra do in Hungary during the Second World War? During the Second World War, György Cziffra was conscripted and became a tank driver. However, he later deserted and was arrested and interned by the Soviets.
What did György Cziffra do after his release from internment? After his release from internment in 1946, György Cziffra became a bar pianist in the nightlife of Pest. He later returned to classical music in 1954.
What is the importance of György Cziffra's first major concert at the Liszt Academy? György Cziffra's first major concert at the Liszt Academy is considered significant because it marked his return to classical music after his experiences during the war and internment.
