Miguel Zanetti, who is considered by many to have been one of the best piano accompanist of the 20th century, died last night at his home in Madrid, aged 72. Born in Madrid in 1935, he studied under Cubiles Gombau and Sopeña at Madrid Conservatory before completing his education in Vienna - under Erik Werba - and in Paris - under Jean Laforge.

Although also an accomplished chamber musician, Zanetti is probably best remembered as the regular accompanist to singing stars such as Victoria de los Ángeles, Monserrat Caballé, Pilar Lorengar, Teresa Berganza, Theresa Stich-Randall, Elisabeth Schwarzlkopf, Nicolai Gedda, José Carreras, Alicia Najé, Alfredo Kraus and Somón Estes, or the violinists, André Navarro and Ruggero Ricci.

Zanetti will be cremated later today at La Almudena cemetery.