Alain Planès

Pianist Alain Planès, known for his affinity for French composers like Debussy and Satie, has also dedicated much of his career to the works of Schubert and Haydn. Born in Lyon, France, in 1948, he began playing the piano at a young age, winning prizes and studying with renowned musicians like Menahem Pressler. Planès has made numerous recordings for Harmonia Mundi, showcasing a repertoire that includes Chopin, Scarlatti, and contemporary composers like Boulez and Stockhausen.

After his time with Pierre Boulez's Ensemble InterContemporain, Planès embarked on an international solo and chamber music career in the 1980s. His recordings, such as the collaboration with cellist Lluís Claret and extensive series of Schubert and Haydn works, have garnered critical acclaim. Throughout the years, he has continued to perform at prestigious festivals and release albums, including notable recordings of Debussy and Chopin on period instruments. Planès remains an active recording artist, with recent releases including Liszt's piano transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies and Fauré's piano music.