Italian Gianluca Cascioli is one of the foremost pianists of our time. Born in Turin, Italy, in 1979, he gained international recognition at a young age by winning the prestigious Umberto Micheli International Piano Competition in 1994. This victory launched his career, leading to collaborations with world-renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic New York Philharmonic, and conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Zubin Mehta, Lorin Maazel and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Cascioli's performances are praised for their clarity, expressive depth, and scholarly approach to interpretation. His repertoire is extensive, ranging from the Viennese Classics too far into the 20th century. His many recordings for Deutsche Grammophon won him worldwide acclaim. In addition to his career as a pianist, Cascioli is an accomplished composer. His compositions reflect a modern sensibility while maintaining a strong connection to classical tradition. This new recording presents his 12 Etudes for piano. These works show an open mind: innovative, playful, pianistically highly demanding yet completely idiomatic and "pianistic", creating special textures and sonorities. Played with complete mastery by Gianluca Cascioli himself.