Artist
Samson François
Personb. 1924 · Frankfurt am Main, France, France
Contribution
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Bio
Samson François (1924–1970) was a French pianist celebrated for his poetic and highly personal interpretations of the Romantic and Impressionist repertoire. Born in Frankfurt am Main to French parents, he studied in Paris with Cortot and Long, winning the 1943 Prix du Conservatoire before launching an international career. His recordings of Chopin, Ravel, and Debussy remain landmarks for their freedom of tempo and luminous tone. François died prematurely in Paris at the age of 46.
Popular tracks
- 13:49
Debussy: 2 Arabesques, CD 74, L. 66: No. 1, Andantino con moto
Track
- 25:17
Chopin: Nocturne No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Track
- 33:49
Debussy: Suite bergamasque, CD 82, L. 75: III. Clair de lune
Track
- 44:02
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: III. Presto
Track
- 53:01
Chopin: 12 Études, Op. 10: No. 12 in C Minor "Revolutionary"
Track
- 64:07
Debussy: La plus que lente, CD 128, L. 121
Track
- 78:41
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai
Track
- 86:01
Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19
Track
- 98:41
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai
Track
- 102:09
Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 6, Allegretto grazioso, MWV U161 "Spring Song"
Track
- 116:00
Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: III. Forlane
Track
- 122:14
Debussy: Children's Corner, CD 119, L. 113: V. The Little Shepherd
Track
Albums
Debussy
Album · 2012
Ravel
Album · 2013
Ravel: Complete Piano & Orchestral Works
Album · 2018
Le poète du piano
Album · 2025
Samson François Plays Debussy
Album · 2024
Récital Debussy: L'Isle joyeuse, Préludes, La plus que lente...
Album · 1962
Ravel: L'œuvre pour piano, vol. 1. Pavane pour une infante défunte, Jeux d'eau, Miroirs
Album · 1967
Ravel: Concertos pour piano
Album · 1960
Debussy: Préludes, Images, Iberia, 2 Arabesques, La plus que lente, Études, Masques, L'isle joyeuse & Berceuse héroïque
Album · 1995
Ravel: L'œuvre pour piano, vol. 2. Gaspard de la nuit, Le tombeau de Couperin, Valses nobles et sentimentales
Album · 1967
Debussy: Children's Corner, Estampes & Suite bergamasque
Album · 1971
Franck: Quintette pour piano et cordes, FWV 7
Album · 1971