A famous 20th century musician, French pianist and conductor, Alfred Cortot was acclaimed for his interpretation of classical and romantic piano works.  Cortot was a student of the Paris Conservatoire, and was awarded premier prix in performance. Cortot was appointed assistant conductor at the Bayreuth Festspiele, and later conducted Wagner’s Götterdämmerung in Paris. Cortot was a pianist in the famous piano trio Cortot/Thibaud/Casals. In 1907 Cortot assumed a teaching position at the Paris Conservatoire. Haskil, Lipatti and Perlemuter were among Cortot’s students. In 1919 Cortot established École Normale de Musique in Paris. Cortot’s master classes in musical interpretation were attended by pianists from all over the world. As a concert pianist Cortot made worldwide appearances.