Walter Gieseking

Walter Wilhelm Gieseking (November 5, 1895 – October 26, 1956) was a French-German pianist and composer. Born in Lyon in France, Gieseking was largely self-taught as a pianist until he studied at the conservatorium in Hanover. He remained in Germany during World War II, and also performed sometimes in Nazi-occupied France; these things led to accusations of collaboration with the Nazi Party. A number of his concerts, particularly in the United States, had to be cancelled because of protests against him.