Solomon Cutner

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Solomon Cutner CBE (6 August 1902 - 22 February 1988) was a British pianist.

Known almost universally in the musical industry by his first name, Solomon was born the seventh son of a seventh son in the East End of London and gave his first concerts in 1912 at the age of ten. He began making records in 1929. A student of Mathilde Verne, who had studied with Clara Schumann, Solomon brought to his playing an effortless virtuosity, great respect for the printed score, and deep spirituality. He toured abroad a good deal, particularly during and shortly after World War II, when he gave numerous much-cherished recitals in the United States and Australia. Known especially for his Beethoven, which has an almost legendary status, he was in the midst of completing a complete cycle of the sonatas for EMI when he was cut down by a stroke in 1956. He remained almost completely paralyzed for the rest of his life, bearing this affliction with extraordinary courage and stoicism. His recordings of Mozart, Schumann, and Brahms are also highly regarded.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1946.