Cor de Groot

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Cor de Groot (July 7, 1914 — May 26, 1993) was a renowned Dutch pianist and composer.

He was born in Amsterdam. He studied piano with Egbert Veen and Ulferts Schults, and composition and conducting under Sem Dresden. In 1932 he graduated with highest honours, playing a piano concerto written by himself. After becoming a soloist at the Concertgebouw Orchestra, he won the first prize at the illustrious international contest for pianists in Vienna. He played all over the world and his recordings are often considered as musical "treasures".

In 1959 he got a nervous disorder in his right hand and continued playing the repertoire for the left hand. He arranged more than 80 pieces for the left hand. Slowly he regained power over his right hand. He became musical director of the Dutch Broadcasting Foundation and promoted Dutch contemporary music. He made many recordings but also continued composing. His compositions include music for piano solo like his Variations imaginaires (1967), orchestral music, vocal work and chamber music, like the Sonatine pastorale for oboe and piano (1961). He died in Amsterdam in 1993.