Sgrizzi, Luciano

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Sgrizzi, Luciano

Sgrizzi, Luciano, Italian harpsichordist; b. Bologna, Oct. 30, 1910; d. Monaco, Sept. 11, 1994. He learned to play the piano as a child and was awarded a diploma from the Accademia Filarmonica in Bologna. He pursued training in piano and harmony at the Bologna Cons. (1920–21), and also studied organ and composition. Following studies in organ and composition with Ferrari-Trecate at the Parma Cons. (1927–31), he completed his training with Bertelin in Paris. Although he made appearances as a pianist from the days of his youth, he turned to the harpsichord and clavichord in 1948 and subsequently gave numerous recitals. He championed the vast collection of harpsichord sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti. His repertoire embraced numerous works by Italian and French composers. He edited many performing eds., ranging from Monteverdi to Pergolesi.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire