Charles Valentin Alkan was a remarkable figure in the world of classical music, revered for his virtuosity as a pianist and admired for his innovative compositions. Born on November 30, 1813, in Paris, France, Alkan displayed prodigious musical talent from an early age. His father, Alkan Morhange, recognized his son's potential and provided him with rigorous musical training.
Alkan's musical education began under the guidance of his father, himself a talented musician. Recognizing Charles's exceptional abilities, his father arranged for him to study piano with Joseph Zimmermann and composition with Charles-Henri Valentin Morhange, his older brother. Under their tutelage, Alkan's talent flourished, and he made his public debut as a pianist at the age of seven.