Pianist. A noted performer of the mid 20th century, he is particularly remembered for interpreting the works of Mozart and Schubert. Born Clifford Michael Siegenberg to a family which Anglicized its name, he was drawn to the piano early, entered the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in 1919, and made his 1923 professional debut at a Proms concert performing a Bach Triple Concerto. The winner of the 1924 Mc Farren Gold Medal from the RAM, he joined the school's faculty and also persued further study with Artur Schnabel in Berlin. Performing the music of every composer between Bach and Liszt, he was noted for drawing out the creator's style and intentions rather than imposing his own. Curzon toured Europe in 1936, made his American debut in 1939 at New York's Town Hall, and from 1941 on was kept busy recording for Decca, one of his projects being the full canon of Mozart concertos preserved under several different conductors. Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953, he was knighted for his services to music in 1977. When Edward Heath, a classical musician of note, was Prime Minister, he was frequently called upon to perform at #10 Downing Street; Sir Clifford lived out his days in London, was awarded the 1980 Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, and left a large recorded legacy.
Pianist. A noted performer of the mid 20th century, he is particularly remembered for interpreting the works of Mozart and Schubert. Born Clifford Michael Siegenberg to a family which Anglicized its name, he was drawn to the piano early, entered the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in 1919, and made his 1923 professional debut at a Proms concert performing a Bach Triple Concerto. The winner of the 1924 Mc Farren Gold Medal from the RAM, he joined the school's faculty and also persued further study with Artur Schnabel in Berlin. Performing the music of every composer between Bach and Liszt, he was noted for drawing out the creator's style and intentions rather than imposing his own. Curzon toured Europe in 1936, made his American debut in 1939 at New York's Town Hall, and from 1941 on was kept busy recording for Decca, one of his projects being the full canon of Mozart concertos preserved under several different conductors. Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953, he was knighted for his services to music in 1977. When Edward Heath, a classical musician of note, was Prime Minister, he was frequently called upon to perform at #10 Downing Street; Sir Clifford lived out his days in London, was awarded the 1980 Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, and left a large recorded legacy.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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