Ottavio Dantone - J.S. Bach: The Well Tempered Clavier, Book I (2001)

Ottavio Dantone studied organ and harpsichord at and graduated from the Conservatory "G. Verdi" in Milan. Beginning his career at a young age, Dantone dedicated his studies to early music and to collaborating with various orchestras, acquiring considerable experience in basso continuo, in the art of which he is now considered an authority. In 1985, he was awarded the basso continuo prize at the International Paris Festival and in 1986, he received an award at the International Bruges Festival (two of the most renowned harpsichord festivals in the world). He was the first Italian to have achieved such recognition at the international level for the harpsichord. He has an intense concert schedule, both as a harpsichord and fortepiano soloist as well as appearing as conductor of orchestras and ensembles. Since 1996, he has been Musical Director of the Accademia Bizantina in Ravenna, with whom he has worked since 1989. He regularly teaches harpsichord at the Conservatories of Lugano and Turin. He holds specialist courses for harpsichord, chamber music, basso continuo and improvisation.