Gieseking << GEE zuh king >>, Walter (1895-1956), a German pianist, became famous for his ability to play both massive works by such composers as Ludwig van Beethoven of Germany and delicate pieces as those by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel of France. Gieseking was born in Lyon, France, the son of a German doctor. His family traveled widely, and he received a private education. He had formal training at the Hanover Conservatory and made his concert debut in 1915.
