Praised by his admirers as a 'poet at the piano', branded by others as a 'collaborator' of the German occupying forces during the Second World War: Alfred Cortot (1877-1962) belonged to that generation of legendary pianists whose playing is unmistakable and continues to cast a spell over musicians and music lovers alike. Cortot was a musical partner of Pablo Casals and Wilhelm Furtwängler, teacher of Clara Haskil and Dinu Lipatti, among others, co-founder and director of the École Normale de Musique in Paris and ambassador of German music in French as well as French music in German-speaking countries. His playing was perceived as free and impulsive and yet was not arbitrary, but followed an interpretation concept that was the result of the most precise research work. Cortot remained true to his ideas - regardless of approval or disapproval. He showed the same tenacity in the realisation of his cultural-political concerns. The book describes Cortot's life, career and impact, including quotes, reviews, eyewitness accounts and assessments by those who came after him. The critical categorisation of his engagement during France's 'Dark Years 1940-1944' in the context of contemporary history may help to arrive at a neutral assessment of Cortot's activities under the Vichy regime. A repertoire list and discography complete the view of a still fascinating artistic personality. The series 'SOLO - Portraits and Profiles' invites you to get to know the artists of 'classical' music. For the first time on the German-language book market, international interpreters of the 20th and 21st centuries take centre stage. Each book portrays a musical personality in an easily accessible and compact form: conductors, soloists and singers. Biographies and careers are presented as well as key characteristics of individual music-making. A categorisation of the artistic profile rounds off the well-founded descriptions. The authors of the series are recognised experts in their respective fields and come from research and practice.