classical music

1. Teresa Carreno (1853-1917) (María Teresa Carreño

García de Sena)

Teresa Carreno was born into a musical family in Caracas, Venezuela and
was first taught by her father. Her teachers noticed her talent, and made
her debut when she was eight in New York, the year they emigrated. In the
following year in 1863 Carreno performed for Abraham Lincoln at the
White House. Her style was full of vigour and power so much so that she
was called the Valkarie of Venezuella.

Carreno toured Europe extensively, performing and later settled down in

Berlin.

Teresa Carreno

Teresa Carreno died in at her apartment in New York as health had

deteriorated.
She dazzles me with her vigour of tone and touch and the precision with
which she handles passages with octaves.

Schumann- Fantasie Op. 17 (1); http://youtu.be/u-bEP-RhPYo

Venicia; http://youtu.be/DnM7FmcLWA8 I love this one for the delicate,

smooth playing.

2. Josef Hofmann (1876-1957)

Josef Hofmann was born in Krakow, Poland to musician parents. His

mother was a singer of light opera and his father was the professor of
piano and harmony at the Warsaw Conservatory. Hofmann was a gifted
child and started his music lessons when he was only three and gave his
first public performance when he was five and the Warsaw Opera House.
At the age of nine, he toured Europe performing which included,
performing with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal
Philharmonic Society.

By the time he was 11, he was performing 80 concerts an year! In USA,the

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children stepped in citing that he is
suffering due to ill health. A benefactor offered his father $50,000 on the
condition that he would not appear in public concerts until he was
18. Hofmann remains as one of the greatest pianists of any age.

Steinway had special pianos with narrower keys for his smaller hands.
 Josef Hofmann

Hofmann had the effortless style of playing giving his interpretation of the
piece which he believed was appropriate.

Josef Hofmann died in Los Angeles, California.

My choice: Hofmann plays

Hofmann, “Penguins”; http://youtu.be/gCcZXB_glwQ I like the element of
fun in it.

Chopin- Scherzo No. In B flat minor; http://youtu.be/gqL0p7gF6WU

Beethoven- Piano Concerto in E flat Major

(Emperor); http://youtu.be/8xCYaq_zbwE

Interview; http://youtu.be/miAbuXDA2aI

3. Alfred Cortot ( 1877-1962)

Alfred Cortot was born in Nyon, Switzerland whose father was French and
mother was Swiss. He started his music studies when he was nine in at
the Paris Conservatoire, as his family had moved to Paris. Cortot made his
debut in 1897 performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor.
Op.37. Cortot was very enthusiastic about Wagner’s music because he
performed the piano duet at the same event and liked Wagner’s music very
much. This gave him the opportunities to conduct as well. He
is considered as the greatest interpreter of Chopin’s
music; http://youtu.be/I2fRWWW_6MM Hope you enjoyed it.

Alfred Cortot

Alfred Cortot died in Lausanne, Switzerland.

My preference; Chopin-Ballade No.1 in G minor.

Op.23; http://youtu.be/_9GBjQyvtAM

This is different to so many other interpretations that I have listened to in

the ornamentations and dynamics. He had no problems in making changes
in the score which amounted to his creativity in contrast to most modern
players who are more worried about making mistakes rather than making
music.

He had no problems in making changes in the score which amounted to his

creativity in contrast to most modern players who are more worried about
making mistakes rather than making music.
Scriabin- Etude No.12 (Piano Roll) Op. 8;http://bit.ly/1nmICof

Chopin- Piano Concerto No.2 Op.21 with Orchestre de Radio

Paris; http://youtu.be/yQgso74jvG4

Rare video ( in French); http://youtu.be/o8E_0glY3nI

4. Nicolai Medtner ( 1880-1951)

“Inspiration comes, where thought is saturated in emotion, and emotion is imbued

with sense.” – Nikolai Medtner

Nicolai Medtner was born in Moscow, Russia who was an outstanding

pianist in the 20th century apart from being a recognised composer of
music in the romantic style. Medtner spent years in exile in Western
Europe, mainly England where he chose to live later. He wrote
music, mostly for piano and for himself to play, which included sonatas,
chamber music and many songs. He was sponsored byMaharajah of
Mysore who paid for his almost entire output which is a highlight
in Medtner’s life.It is also a one of the greatest achievements in the 20th
century.
 Nicolai Medtner

What is obvious to me about his music is that it is demanding and yet

charming with full of nostalgia supporting for what he is fondly known;
his strong brain and soft heart.

Nicolai Medtner died at his home in Goldern Greenn, London.

My choice: Medtner- Sonata NO.1, Reminiscenza, Op.38, performed by

Sviatoslav Richter; http://youtu.be/crTSTtKKeXc

Medter plays Medtner- Piano Quintet (with Aeolian

Quartet); http://youtu.be/n2cGRQx7k2I

Medtner- Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, performed by Medtner with

London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Issay
Dobrowen; http://youtu.be/IHd-BzkJaMU

5. Artur Schnabel (1882-1951)

“To many of the last generation, there was but one Beethoven pianist and his name
was Artur Schnabel.” Harold C. Schonberg in The Great Pianist.

Artur Schnabel was born in Lipnik, Austria which is a part of Poland now.
He started his piano lessons at six by following his sister’s lessons, when
her teacher noticed his talents. Later he went to Vienna to study with the
best teachers that Austria had then.

Schnabel became a recognised soloist after having performed in a series of

solos with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Until 1921 he only performed in
Europe and decided to sail to USA.

He went after challenging music which was just beyond his grasp,
the music he considered as better than it can be performed. He was the first
to record Beethoven’s 32 sonatas. Schnabel was a gifted composer who
composed three symphonies, five string quartets and a concerto.

Artur Schnabel

My favourite: Foxtrot Dance for Piano, composed by Artur Schanbel,

performed by Donald Isler; http://youtu.be/aa0f_SEfhTI

He incorporated classical into pop so cleverly. You can compare it with a

modern foxtrot!

Mozart- Piano Sonata K.333-1st movement; http://youtu.be/9i7_-jHrLY4

Beethoven- Complete Piano Concertos with London Symphony Orchestra

and London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Malcolm
Sargent; http://youtu.be/7cH92_LvUwc

Interview:http://youtu.be/xRvrMMOjDIg

6. Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982)

Arthur Rubinstein was the youngest of seven children. He started the

piano when he was four and gave his first concert at the age of seven. At
12 Rubinstein made his debut in Berlin where he played Mozart’s Piano
Concerto in A Major K.488. Her was supported by patrons during his
music education from the ages 10 to 17. He relied on his talent to learn
quickly.

He is well known for his recordings of Chopin’s music. I remember my

father’s albums of his recordings of Chopin’s nocturnes and waltzes.

Arthur Rubinstein

Among the 20th century pianists, Rubinstein is one of the titans. His
technique was remarkable and brought his own interpretation of the music
with his natural calm style.

My favourite: Chopin- Nocturnes

(complete); http://youtu.be/V60USaluxGA clear, crisp and soothing.

Chopin- Polonaise (Heroic) and Manuel de Falla- Ritual Fire

Dance; http://youtu.be/QUoXKYT_rC8

Saint Saëns-Piano Concerto No.2-part 2 of 2 (HD), with London

Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andre
Previn; http://youtu.be/06Ku_ygdWn4

Interview- http://youtu.be/VFEsLdERZwI

7. Dame Myra Hess (1890-1965)

Myra Hess was born in London and began piano lessons when she was
five. As her father insisted, she had to make public performances to earn
money while continuing her studies at Guildhall School of Music. She won
the Steinway Medal and the Ada Lewis Scholarship during this time. A
year later Hess entered Royal Academy of Music in London where she
graduated and won the Mac Fareen Gold Medal.

During the WWII she held lunchtime concerts at the National Gallery in
London with the sole purpose of uplifting the spirits of the general public.
She simply loved playing the piano and believe that music helped people
spiritually.

Dame Myra Hess

Her fun-filled exuberance is shown in her performances which I enjoy very

much. I am sure you would too.

Her music, at such uncertain times must have uplifted much broken spirits;
given hope and made many happy.

My favourite: Brahms- Waltz in A flat

Op39.No.15;http://youtu.be/8vpvUYA02t4

Love the way she brings out the lilting melodies.

Scarlatti- Sonata in C minor, K 11; http://youtu.be/bNVXB0tXYW0

Bach- English Suite No.2 in A minor, BWV

807; http://youtu.be/mRHnjo8KNkQ

Interview: http://youtu.be/7tQ_Lpohgmw

8.Wilhelm Kempff (1895-1991)

Wilhelm Kempff was born in Brandenburg, Germany, began his music

lessons at four with his father who was an organist in the Lutheran church.
Kempff first started with the violin and then moved on to the piano. His
debut was at six and Potsdam. Kempff enrolled with Berlin
Musikhchschule in 1914 and studied piano and composition. He won the
Mendelssohn Prize for composition and piano playing in 1917. He
played Beethoven’s Concerto in G Major at the Berlin Philharmonic in 1918.
Until 1951 he toured only Europe and in 1951 toured London and USA in
1964. Kempff made his name with his performances of Beethoven and
Schumann.

Wilhelm Kempff
What fascinates me is his rhythmic cleverness, invention and energetic
harmonics; refreshing.

Wilhelm Kempff died in Positano, Campania, Italy. ( a previous blog)

Here is the link for my blog post for his performance on Beethoven’s
Moonlight Sonata.

My favourite: Brahms- (op. 10, 24,

76,79,116,117,118,119) http://youtu.be/2f9aEu74Vtk

Schubert -Impromptu op.90 (D 899) No.3; http://youtu.be/gn3FhAk8EPE

Beethoven-Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor; with New York Philharmonic

Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein; http://youtu.be/O8Dpl-vAsU8

9. Claudio Arrau (1903-

Claudio Arrau was born in a small town in Chile whose parents were from
Spain and Scotland. He had his first piano lessons with his mother who
was a piano teacher. His first recital was when he was just five years! The
then president of Chile was so impressed by him that he was sent to
Germany to study piano. He studied there for 10 years and made many
appearances which brought him to the international circuit. The education
in Germany made Claudio a great interpreter of Romantic music.

His career spanned eight decades. He was most recognized for his
19thcentury works. He played Beethoven’s sonatas with much energy and
physical power.
 Claudio Arrau

The day he died was declared a national day of mourning in Chile as a

mark of respect of his clarity.

My favourite: Debussy- Suite,

Bergamasque; http://youtu.be/bGcEYALnk8s . It is his resonant , deep
sound that makes his performance so different from the others.

Grieg – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 with Royal Concertgebow

Orchestra (Amsterdam), conducted by Dir. Cristoph
vonDohnayi; http://youtu.be/LTdX9i-oTXo

Mozart- Piano Sonatas; http://youtu.be/8SLtfyeeeJU

Interview: http://youtu.be/nRW40yTOFuE

10. Rudolf Serkin (1903-1991)

Rudolf Serkin was born in Eger, Bohemia (now Cheb, Czech Republic) to
Jewish Russian family. They moved to Vienna when Serkin was nine. He
made his public debut at the age of 12 with Oskar Nedbal and the Wiener
Symphoniker.
Serking launched his concert life in 1920 while living with
the great Adolf Busch in Berlin. His first USA appearance
was in 1933 at the Coolidge Festival in Washington D.C.
and in 1936 launched his solo concert career with New York
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Arturo Toscanini.

He made many recordings mainly of composers of classical era.

Rudolf Serkin

Rudolf Serkin died in Guilford, Vermont, USA.

My favourtite: Brahms- Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat

Major; http://youtu.be/1SxFPx0Ezxc

Schubert- Impromptus for Piano,D 935; http://youtu.be/yViQOOEdx5M

Beethoven- Piano Concerto No.4;http://youtu.be/NzbfE1Xe2Ps

Interview; http://youtu.be/gigHIj3oIQ8
11. Vladimir Samoylovych Horowitz (1903-1989)

Vladimir Horowitz was born in Kiev, USSR where he left in 1925 and
visited Russia only once just before his death. Horowitz’s early lessons
were with his mother who was also a pianist. He enrolled with the Kiev
Conservatory in 1912 where he studied until 1919.

Horowitz acquired the reputation as a virtuoso after his extensive

performances in Kharkov, Moscow, Kiev and Leningrad. It was not
necessarily that he got paid with money, he intact got ‘paid’ with food in
Leningrad in 1922, for his 23 concerts!

He was a world famous pianist and performed extensively throughout

Europe and USA. Other performers believe that he knew all the
repertory. What I read about him was that his own Steinway travelled
with him, dismantled, and each key wrapped in tissue paper! He did not
put music into categories. He played them from his heart. He was
fascinating and humble with an electrifying touch. He was an icon.

Vladimir Horowitz died in his home in USA but was buried, in their family
plot, in Milan according to his wishes.

My favourite- Scriabin- Etude No.12, Op.8; http://youtu.be/pPTe1xMB9Uk

Vladimir Horowitz
Horowitz brought tone , colour and excitements in his playing. He was one
of the greatest of pianists of our time.

“I am a general. My soldiers are the keys and I have to command them.”

Those were his words about his music.

Scriabin- Piano Sonata No.3, 16 Preludes; http://youtu.be/RBfMwqLmgsY

Rachmaninov- Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, with New York

Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta ( in
1978); http://youtu.be/D5mxU_7BTRA

Interview- http://youtu.be/eZm7OW3ufbc

12. Maria Grinberg (1908-1978)

Maria Grinberg was born in Odessa, Russia whose father was a Hebrew
scholar and mother who taught piano privately. She continued with her
further music education at Moscow Conservatory. She won the Second
Prize at the Second All-Union Pianist Competition in 1935.

Grinberg went through a traumatic period when both, her father and
husband were executed as “enemies of the people” in 1937 by the Soviete
Government. The political situation in the USSR greatly affected her career
so much so that she could only travel to the West when she was 50, which
was after the death of Stalin.
 Maria Grinberg

I appreciate her courage and her determination that she had, to keep her
art despite, all the hardships and trauma she had to encounter for no fault
of hers or her family’s.

My favourite: The Princes of the Pianowhich is a compilation of piano

music of famous piano music composers. This is volume
iv; http://youtu.be/t53GuDevc44

Schumann: “Symphonic Etudes” Op. 13; http://youtu.be/PXd68c_MNus

Mozart: Piano Concerto No.24 in C Major,K 491, conducted by Victor

Dubrovsky; http://youtu.be/_riTh7Wr8Hs

13. Gina Bachauer( 1913-1976)

Gina Bachauer was born in Athens, Greece started learning the piano at
the age of five who showed her aptitude for the piano. She gave her first
recital when she was eight in Athens. Bachauer had her music education at
the Athens Conservatory and later continued her education in Paris at
the Ecole Normale de Musique.
She had the rare opportunity of learning from Rachmaninov and this is her
magnificent performance of his Prelude in C sharp minor, Op
No.3; http://youtu.be/K3pngmIZ4ec

Bachauer’s repertoire was wide covering from Couperin to Stravinsky; was

best at in the 19th- and early 20th-century repertoire.

She impressed her audience with the strength and breadth of her keyboard
command and essentially balanced musicianship.

Gina Bachauer died of a heart attack in Athens on the day she was to
perform with National Symphony Orchestra of Washington,D.C.

Gina Bachauer

My favourite: Stravinsky- In Petrushka’s

Room; http://youtu.be/orsPvCMINeYPaganini – Brahms’s Variations on a
Theme from…; http://youtu.be/8ZSQyfw59uQ

Saint Saens- Concerto No. In G minor, Op.22, with London Orchestra,

conducted by Alec Sherman;http://youtu.be/nX-DOAXKSgM

14. Jorge Bolet (1914-1990)

Jorge Bolet was born in Havana, Cuba. He started playing at five years of
age. His first teacher was his sister and at the age of 12 he was sent
to Curtis Institute for his music education. Bolet became an expert on
Romantic music, a worthy tribute to his teachers.

Later he became a US resident and joined the Army

during the war. During this time when he was in Japan, he
conducted the Japanese production of Gilbert and
Sullivan’s The Mikado.

One of his teachers was Leopold Godowsky, whose arrangements for

Chopin Etudes is considered as most difficult pieces ever written
which Bolet had recorded.

He was mainly recording for Decca.

Jorge Bolet

His tone is full and rich which is so Romantic music. He is well known for
his percussive way of playing bringing out the strength of each note.
My favourite: Liszt- Venezia e Napoli-
Tarantella; http://youtu.be/4XFsdnuWMpI

Chopin-Etude in A flat No,25 Godowsky

arranagement; http://youtu.be/JKO-vkd_Cxw

Grieg- Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16 with Radio-Sinfonie-Orchester

Berlin, conducted by Riccardo Chailly; http://youtu.be/uTzFwfM7F-A

Interview; http://youtu.be/6vrXvNVMoHQ

15. Sviatoslav Richter (1915-1997)

was born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, whose

Sviatoslav Richter
father was an organist. Richter was self-taught mostly,
even though his father gave him the early music lessons.
He played any music that came his way and developed an
exceptionally well technique. He was playing opera by the
age of eight.

Young Richter grew up in Odessa as his father was a teacher at the Odessa
Conservatory. During his stay in Odessa, he played as a rehearsal pianist.
His first public performance, in 1934 was at the Odessa House of
Engineers. The performance was a great success and Richter’s career as a
virtuoso was sealed.
 Salvatore Richter

Sviatoslav Richter’s technique was incomparable to any other pianist; it

was full of imagination especially in romantic works. He played Schumann
and Chopin with such shading that the sound was beyond anyone’s
imagination. He could produce the inner voices of Schubert and Bach with
extraordinary clarity. The main feature of his playing was the
improvisation.

Richter performed widely in the West though he never left Russia. He lived
mostly in Paris and Germany towards the latter part of his musical career.
He died in Moscow from a heart attack, as reported by Russian Cultural
Ministry.

My favourite- Prokofiev- Sonata No. 7 in B flat major 3/3 Osaka

Live;http://youtu.be/fnZDm_FE3ns

He lived mostly in Paris and Germany towards the latter part of his
musical career. He died in Moscow from a heart attack, as reported by
Russian Cultural Ministry

Liszt- Piano Concerto No.1 in E Flat (LEGENDARY

RECORDING!!!); http://youtu.be/OxzwEPB4Gd0

Documentary-The Enigma; http://youtu.be/hIOgiotfJ3c

Interview; http://youtu.be/pgjcKlDN4mk

16. Emil Gilels (1916-1985)

Emil Gilels started his lessons at the age of six and teacher from the
Institute of Music and Drama in Odessa heard him perform at the age of 12
and decided to prepare him to enter the Moscow Conservatory. In 1931 he
won a scholarship from the Ukrainian government. He won the All-Union
Competition when he was 16 and after graduating from Odessa entered the
Moscow Conservatory for further his musical education.

Emil Gilels

Gilels was a short and stocky person with short fingers that played fiery
music as well as tender sweet music equally well. He had immense energy
that created special sounds for each style he played.was a short and stocky
person with short fingers that played fiery music as well as tender sweet
music equally well. He had immense energy that created special sounds for
each style he played.

It is reported that Emil Gilels died in Moscow due to kidney failure.

My favourite: Rameau- La rappel des

oiseaux; http://youtu.be/3ZX_rkCJb2U, it is simply exquisite.

Bach/Siloti- Prelude in B minor; http://youtu.be/Yu06WnXlPCY

Dmitri Borisovich Kabalevsky- Piano Concerto No.3 in D Major, Op 50,
with Soviet Union State Radio and Television Orchestra, conducted by
Kabelvsky himself; http://youtu.be/7ILILmNuPZI

Hope you enjoyed his music as much as I did. Now let’s have a look at
another brilliant pianist.

17. Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (1920-1995)

“Here is a new Liszt”-Cortot

Arturo Michelangeli was born in Brescia, Italy and started to learn the
piano when he was four at the Instituto Musicale Venturi. But he furthered
his studied in Milan where he studied composition as
well.Michelangeli received his soloist diploma at the age of 14 and
launched his concert career.

His extraordinary talents were recognised and got the opportunity to enter
the prestigious Geneva International Competition where he won the first
prize.

The famous words of Cortot helped his international

career. Michelangeli played in England in 1946 and in US in 1948. He was
involved in many international music festivals and spent much time to his
teaching activities in Bologna, Venice and Bolzano Conservatories,
including master classes.

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli died in Lugano, Switzerland due to ill

health.
 Arturo Benedetti Michelangelli

He was admired and loved for his impeccable touch and the melody he
brought through with spine tingling piano work with many recordings.

My favourite: Rachmaninov-Piano Concerto

No.4,Op.40; http://youtu.be/OvD2Wr7-4qs?list=PL4B67AC9EFDDBF7DA

Debussy- Preludes (Book 1 ); http://youtu.be/1T958NWjweg

Maurice Ravel-Piano Concerto in G major with London Symphony

Orchestra, conducted by Sergiu Celibidache; http://youtu.be/-JAeUjg4zj8

Master Class Documentary; http://youtu.be/cOzhtoYdn6w

18. Georges Cziffra (1921-1994)

Georges Cziffra was born in Budapest, Hungary to a very poor family. He

was a sickly child and self-taught the piano and started
improvising. Cziffra was employed by a circus to perform when he was
five and was fortunate at nine, as he was spotted by Franz Liszt .
 Georges Cziffra

Cziffra went through a very difficult time during the war being imprisoned
and released in 1953. Due hard work during the prison term, his wrists and
feet were injured and once he recovered after his release, he started playing
the piano and built up a career as an international star.

Georges Cziffra died in 1994, of cancer.

He displays so much of emotions that he makes his piano weep. My

favourite; Liszt- Grand Galop
Chromatique; http://youtu.be/tmq5JBpFf9w and

Virtuose Magicien; http://youtu.be/JdJfDNoI5_4

Liszt- Hungaria Rhapsody No.6; http://youtu.be/3L0Rncqx1yQ

Saint Saens-Etude en forme de Waltz Op.52

No.6; http://youtu.be/WfyePt0W55M

Interview; http://youtu.be/HPGsbYKkJAA

He rose above all the hardship and setbacks to pursue his passion.
His story is an example for everybody.

19. Ivan Moravec (b.1930)

Ivan Moravec was born in Prague, Czech Republic whose father loved
opera and music. He had a large a collection of gramophone records which
he listend to with his young son. Moravec started his piano lessons when
he was seven and made his debut with Prague Radio at the age of 16. At 18
he won the first prize from the Conservatory in Prague but could not
pursue his music for the next six years as suffered from pain from a
previous skating accident.

Moravec returned to performing only in 1954 and toured Europe

performing and after his performance in London in 1959 he was recognised
for his talents and started recording with Connoisseur Record Society.

Ivan Moravec

His interpretations are very much personal with subtle differences to each
modulation.

My favourite; Chopin- Barcarolle; http://youtu.be/vXOIHtUvrXA

Debussy- Feux d’artifice; http://youtu.be/7Ys8mb__DOo

Smetana- Polka in A minor with London Symphony

Orchestra; http://youtu.be/8N0fvB3X6yM
Hope I am keeping your interest alive! My main idea is to give you as
much information as possible in one place.

20. Alfred Brendel (b. 1931)

“One of the defining performers of our age”
 - Boston Globe

Alfred Brendel is an Austrian born in Vizmberk, Czechoslovakia, now

known as Loucna and Desnou, Czech Republic. His parents were

Alfred Brendel

non-musical. During WWII at 14, he was sent to Yugolsavia to dig trenches.

There he was hospitalised because he was affected by frostbites.

Brendel was the first pianist to record Beethoven’s complete piano

works.He has performed extensively in concerts and festivals with leading
orchestras and conductors world over and as result he has a vast
discography.

My favourite: Beethoven’s Piano Sonata

No.32; http://youtu.be/w5ZUnbHhCJk
Franz Schubert- Piano Sonata No.21 in B flat Major,D
960; http://youtu.be/g7DyYkDFV4s

Robert Schumann- Piano Concerto in A

minor; http://youtu.be/Brg9X2QFF6Q

Interview; http://youtu.be/g7DyYkDFV4s

21. Glen Gould (1932-1982)

Glen Gould was born in Toronto whose musical talents were observed
from a very young age. He became a concert pianist when he was just 15.
Gould started being recognised through radio, television broadcasts,
recordings, compositions and many more, in his early twenties.

Gould’s mastery was in performing baroque music. Even though he

disliked early-Romantic music, he thrilled his audience with Classical late-
Romantic and early 2oth century music. He has a vast array of
recordings of a wide range of classical music.

Glen Gould died in Ontario, Canada of a stroke. Many tributes flowed in at

his 30th death anniversary.

What impresses me most is that he avoided the sustain pedal as much as

possible using finger technique to bring out the essence of what the
composer intended for.

My favourite: Goldberg Variations; http://youtu.be/N2YMSt3yfko more

than 2 million views! Speaks for itself.
 Glen Gould

J.S. Bach- Invention1 and 2; http://youtu.be/lb-

LhVJszWE?list=PL619E7BEF4A9E8587

J.S. Bach- Brandenburg Concerto No.5, performed and conducted by Glen

Gould; http://youtu.be/jIl8u8Xpu7o

Interview (The Art of Piano); http://youtu.be/Pkc8LjmKKMw

You certainly would have heard of him and may have already listened to
him. He had to be here!

22. Martha Argerich (b. 1941)

Martha Argerich was born in Buenos Aires and started her piano lessons
when she was just five. Her debut was at eight when she played a concerto
by Mozart. Argerich won the Geneva International Competition and
the Ferruccio Busoni International Competition at the age of 16.
 Martha Argerich

She is a concert pianist who has worked with many famous conductors.
Chamber music is her other line of work for which she was interested in
from the age of 17.

Martha Argerich is a great supporter of young pianists. She founded

the Martha Argerich Piano Competition in Buenos Aires where she is the
president of the jury.

My favourite: Mozart- Sonata KV 521 (part 1/2), Argerich and Kissin piano
for 4 hands; http://youtu.be/URj9NoUDD08

An amazing performance by two amazing pianists; the chemistry between

them is electric!

Prokofiev- Sonata n. 3 – Martha Argerich – live

1967; http://youtu.be/9WCkAcAj7AQ

Ravel- Piano Concerto in G Major with Orchestra Sinfonia Nazionale della

Rai, conducted by Andrej Boreyko; http://youtu.be/8eOGFk596Po

Interview in Stockholm for the Nobel Prize Concert

2009.flv; http://youtu.be/hBX1lWqpWns
23. Maurizio Pollini (1942)

Maurizio Pollini was born in Milan to a non-traditional artistic family. He

developed his musical career as a result of having listened to classical
records from a very young age, encouraged by his parents. Pollini was
fortunate have all the resources available to him and performed at the age
of nine for the first time in public. He won the first prize in International
Chopin Competition when he was 18 where Arthur Rubinstein was one of
the judges who was much impressed by Pollini’s performance.

He is particularly famous for his contrasting performances of both modern

contemporary and classical music. He had been a Deutsche
Grammophon artist for four decades with many awards to his credit. His
recordings show his graceful touch.

Maurizio Pollini

He was in total command of his instrument and brought his own style and
the musical version of many a composition.

My favourite; Chopin- Nocturnes complete; http://youtu.be/V60USaluxGA

Chopin- 24 Preludes recorded with DG; http://youtu.be/bnXMX31ApWQ

Mozart- Piano Concerto No.21 in C Major, K467 with Orchestra

Filarmonica della Scala, conducted by Riccardo
Muti; http://youtu.be/i2uYb6bMKyI
Interview: http://youtu.be/AwGCLwDjNII

24. Daniel Barenboim (b. 1942)

Daniel Barenboim was born in Buenos Aires and started his piano lessons
when he was five, with his mother. He continued his music studies with
his father and had no other teacher. Barenboim gave his first concert when
he was seven in Buenos Aires. His mentors were Artur Rubinstein
and Adolf Busch. His debut as a pianist was in Vienna in 1952 and then
onwards he was giving concerts in USA and Europe.

His first gramophone recording was in 1954 and then

onwards, he had recorded a wide range of classical music.

Barenboim started conducting around the same time as he was making

recordings. He mostly conducted the English Chamber Orchestrawhich
lasted for more than ten years.

My favourite, Beethoven- 32
sonatas; http://bit.ly/1vsBfL7

Daniel Barenboim
Beethoven Sonata N° 29 ‘Hammerklavier’; http://youtu.be/FwZsDzGY1XA

Beethoven’s 9th @ BBC Proms 2012. 1080p; http://youtu.be/Vypj9NCINdM

Interview with Charlie Rose; http://youtu.be/NF1AIg9C8sI

25. Murray Perahia (b. 1947)

Murray Perahia was born in New York and started playing the piano from
about the age of four. Her furthered his musical studies at Mannes
College where he majored in conducting and composition. His friendship
with Vladimir Horowitz was an inspiration to him. Perehia won the Leeds
International Piano Competition in 1972 and in 1973 had his first concert.

Murray Perahia

Perahia performances are distinctively direct. As a result his sound is

exquisitely clear.

He is characteristically poetic and has a light touch has won hearts world
over, including mine!
Felix Mendelssohn- Fantasy in F-sharp Major Op.28 ( Scottish
Sonata); http://youtu.be/786RVhOXF5w

Beethoven- Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat Major (Emperor), with Academy

of St. Martin in the Fields; http://youtu.be/RvVHRqRKB10

Interview of Mozart Piano Concerto 25; http://youtu.be/zAfF-CGiPMc

26. David Helfgott (b.1947)

David Helfgott was born in Melbourne to Polish Jewish parents. He

started learning the piano when he was five. He won the ABC Instrumental
and Vocal Competition six times! He won a scholarship at 19 to study
music at Royal College of Music, London. Helfgott won the Dannreuther
Prize for the Best Concerto Performance and Marmaduke Barton Prize
while he was with the RCM.

David Helfgott

His finger work is incredible and mesmerising.

Rimsky-Korsakov- Flight of the Bumble Bee; http://youtu.be/e1K-

wUXCH_c This is my favourite too.

Rachmaninov- Piano Concerto No.3, Mvt 3 with Metropolitan Orchestra,

conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams; http://youtu.be/ZmBm3_v2vC4
He may not have been as well know as others, but he certainly is very
popular in his country and the region.

27. Garrick Ohlsson (b. 1948)

Garrick Ohlsson was born in Bronxville, New York, USA and entered
the Westchester Conservatory of Music in NY at the age of eight. He
entered the Juilliard School in New York City at 13 and graduated with
BMus in 1971. He won the Busoni Competition in Italy, in 1966 and went
on to win the Montreal Piano Competition two years later. Ohlsson made
his debut in New York in 1970 and became the first American to win
the Chopin Competition in Warsaw in the same year later.

Ohlsson gained worldwide recognition as one of the finest pianists of his

generation. He is 6′ and 4″ and has the widest stretch of hands that I’ve
ever known; right hand octave+4 and left hand octave+5!

Garrick Ohlsson

Ohlsson’s repertoire is wide and diverse with different eras and

composers.
What I like in his performances are his command in extreme dynamics.

My favourite: Schubert- Piano Sonata No.17 D

850; http://youtu.be/PDWQ7ULNIEc notice the contrasts in dynamics.

Alexander Scriabin- Desire Op.57 No,1 an “Two Pieces”

Op59;http://youtu.be/A4Uy4bM3eec

Alexander Scriabin- Piano Concerto in F sharp minor, Op.20 with Czech

Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Libor
Pasek; http://youtu.be/0bW7C8ulp8s

Interview: http://youtu.be/UiOzfr8YZhI

28. Dame Mitsuko Uchida (b.1948)

Mitsuko Uchida was born in Atami near Tokyo. She moved to Vienna at
12 as her father as a diplomat got a posting there. There she studied the
piano at the Vienna Academy of Music. Uchida won the Beethoven
Competition in Vienna in 1969 and the second prize at the International
Frederic Chopin Piano Competition and also the second prize at Leeds
Piano Competition in 1975.

She also plays chamber music apart from piano solos and concerti.

She is a naturalised British classical pianist and received her DBE in 2009.
In the same year her recording of Mozart Concerti Nos.23 and 24 with
Cleveland Orchestra which she conducted and the played the solo part,
won the Grammy Award.
 Mitsuko Uchida

I like her interpretation of any composition; she adds originality to it with a

flowing nature making the music to run through you.

My favourite, - 12 Etudes; http://youtu.be/FymZsN_NiB4

Chopin- Piano Sonata No,2 in B-flat minor,

Op.35; http://youtu.be/WoPPpe6ikKE

Mozart-Piano Concerto No.25 C Major K503, conducted by Riccardo

Muti; http://youtu.be/bliH3wpdcWc

Interview 2008; http://youtu.be/j92wm5Zj2Ps

29. Grigory Sokolov (b. 1950)

Grigory Sokolov was born in Leningrad, Soviet Union and started his
music education at the age of five. At seven he entered Leningrad
Conservatory (now St Petersburg). He gave his first major recital in
Moscow when he was 12. Grigory became internationally known when he
won the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in 1966 by a unanimous decision.
He is considered the world’s greatest living pianist. He is a natural pianist
who amazes his ecstatic, sold-out audience, with his great repertoire and
enormous strength. Isn’t she wonderful?
 Grigory Sokilov

What fascinates me most about him is that his exquisite finger work and
little use of pedal.

Couperin; Le Tic Toc Choc; http://youtu.be/acxipN-HSdc ,look at the

fingers dancing on the piano!

Jean Phillippe Rameau; La Poule; http://youtu.be/xcXY7dyK7eQ

An interview with him shows how he is absorbed in his music and the
piano itself.

30. Jeno Jando (b. 1952)

Jeno Jando was born in Pecs, a little town in Hungary. His early lessons
were given by his mother and entered Liszt Adademy to further his
musical studies. Even though Jando had major successes after his
graduation, he believes that winning the third prize at the Beethoven Piano
Competition at 18 that gave him the opportunity to have the international
experience.

Jando has won many acclaimed piano competitions world over. He

has recorded for Naxos all the piano concertos and sonatas of Mozart. His
repertoire is wide spanning from baroque to modern eras.
 Jeno Jando

My favourite is Bartok’s Microkosmos for its clarity and simplicity; I

did Bartok’s Six Hungarian Dances for ABRSM Advanced Certificate and it
was Jeno Jando’s recording that I listened to. Here is Nos. 97-
153; http://youtu.be/pyMajrWSkMA

Liszt- Hungarian Rhapsody; http://youtu.be/FYmULaSW8wI,delightful!

Haydn- Piano Concerto No.3 in D Major; http://youtu.be/G8He-f5mMEc

31. Michael Houstoun (b. 1952)

Michael Houstoun was born in Timaru, New Zealand. He had won every
major piano competition in New Zealand by the time he became 18.

He is a well known and well loved pianist in his country who has inspired
many a young musician.
 Michael Houstoun

He won the third prize at the Van Clibrun International Piano

Competition in 1973, which was his first international appearance. He
furthered his studies in USA and London afterwhich he returned to New
Zealand in 1981.

He is perfect in timing and brings out the emotions that the composer
intended; un hurried and mellow.

Debussy- Clair de Lune; http://youtu.be/u03CVcp6IU0. This is my

favourite as well.

Shostakovich- Piano Concerto No.1, Op.35 with New Zealand Symphony

Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Lyndon-Gee;

http://youtu.be/FzO3-Iaoz0k

32. András Schiff (b.1953)

Andras Schiff was born in Budapest whose parents were Holocaust

survivors. He began piano lessons when he was five and made his debut
by the time he was nine. Schiff started his formal studies at Ferenc Liszt
Academy at 14. His recognition came when he won the Tchaikovsky
Competition in Moscow in 1974. He launched his successful concert and
recording career in 1975 when he took the top honours
in Leeds and Liszt International Piano Competitions.

Andras Schiff

I like him particularly because prefers the traditional classical music over
flashy modern day pieces. Also his devotion to the art to bring in the best
emotions rather than the technicalities that the music demands, although
he masters it brilliantly.

Masterclass at the Royal College of Music; http://youtu.be/85KJkpbh_us

Bach- English Suites; http://youtu.be/qTJATPRp8a0

Bela Bartok- Piano Concerto No.3 with Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by Ferenc Fricsay; http://youtu.be/kQqJwHWJw90

Radio Interview; http://youtu.be/uZ8x2LdPsj0

33. Krystian Zimerman (b.1956)

“Krystian Zimerman played with spellbinding concentration. This was the

evening’s emotional core.” (Daily Telegraph, January 2013)

Krystian Zimerman was born in Zabreze, Poland and started learning the
piano when he was five with his father who was also a pianist. Two years
later he entered the Katowice Conservatory where he completed his music
education. He won the top honours at the Ludwig van Beethoven
International Piano Competition in Hradec, Kralove in
1973. Zimerman won the first prize at the International Fryderyk Chopin
Piano Competition in Warsaw, which was the stepping stone for his
international career. The ultimate breakthrough came to him when he was
invited by Artur Rubinstein to Paris, to perform in 1976.

Krystian Zimerman believed strongly in the welfare of the musician.

Krystian Zimerman

What I love about him is that he is a perfectionist who pays a great

attention to detail. The special blend of tone, superior control and intensity
of emotion that he brings into his playing makes him stands out.

Beethoven- Piano Concerto No.4 in G Major, Op 58, with Vienna

Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard
Bernstein; http://youtu.be/_x2HpERjg7c

Debussy- Preludes Livre 1.; http://youtu.be/GkYxV1FriOA

Interview with BBC; http://youtu.be/SCzabFlmIlQ

34. Evgeny Kissin (b 1971)

This is my most admired performer.

“All the hall marks of his genius – and one does not use the word lightly – were on
display: the rich, sonorous tone, the dazzling fingerwork and, above all, the
inspired fantasy. So compelling is Kissin’s pianism, so fresh his response to even
the most familiar phrases, that one hangs on every note. The end of the slow
movement found me gripping the armrest of my seat, mesmerized by the poetry of
his reading.” The Times, 10th May 1999

Evgeny Kissin was born in Moscow in 1971 and began to play piano by ear
from when he was about two years. He entered Gnessin School of Music in
Moscow, which was a special school for gifted children, when he was
six. Kissin made his debut at ten by playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto K.
466. He gave his first solo recital when he was 11 and was known
internationally by the age of 12.

Berlin Festival in 1987 was his debut in the (West previous blogpost). This
was with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von
Karajan. He was hailed as a remarkably mature pianist at 16, after this
performance.

Recording companies were clamouring for him. His discography is second

to none and his records too have won many accolades.

He returned to the West again in 1988 with Vladimir Spivakov as the

conductor.

He has won the most prestigious awards from UK, USA, Russia and many
other countries.

Despite his brilliance and genius he is humble and has a likeable

personality.

Kissin lives in London since 2002 and continues to enthral his audience.
I like all his performances this one in particular for the deep understanding
of the music he shows. I find him at his best when he is playing
Rachmaninov who was a brilliant composer and a performer himself.

My favourite: Rachmaninov-Piano Concerto NO.1 IN C

minor; http://youtu.be/DgYhcM5TB_c

Incredible pianist; http://youtu.be/OC1TnVKP-ug

As a child (12): Chopin- Concerto No.1

(excerpt); http://youtu.be/gilNaeUsPNQ

Evgeny Kissin

The maturity he shows in his playing, even as child is remarkable.

Prokofiyev-Sonata No.6. Op 82, Vivace;http://youtu.be/2HAV8-CxhoE

Chopin and Schumann- miscellaneous (2010); http://youtu.be/XH-

z6wXqB-s

Liszt – Etude d’exécution transcendante No.10 (2013

Live); http://youtu.be/gBUHN5Su3HQ

Interview with BBC Proms; http://youtu.be/wTMm8M8Kujw

35. Lang Lang (b.1982)

Lang Lang was born in Shenyang,Liaoning, China. His father’s ancestry
were the Manchu Niohuru family which had a line of Qing
Empresses. Lang Lang started his piano lessons at the age of three and won
the first prize at the Shenyang Piano Competition when he was five, which
was also his first public performance.

Later he entered Central Conservatory of Music and won the Xing Hai Cup
piano Competition in Beijing in 1993. In 1994 he won the first prize in
the International Competition for Young Pianists in Ettlingen, Germany.
From then onwards he went on to win many competitions and soon he was
a well known as a pianist, internationally.

Lang Lang

Lang Lang is the first Chinese pianist to have played with Berlin
Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras along with some in
the USA.

It is fascinating how he makes East meets West at the piano.

Here’s something truly spectacular that it is like a dream. Lang Lang, Dee
Dee Bridgewater & RSO Jazz Open Stuttgart
2013; http://youtu.be/ylBd3E8Sxfc

Tan Dun: Eight Memories in Watercolours Op.1 Nos.1-

4; http://youtu.be/3jd8px4WLSk
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No.1, Part 03
with Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, conducted by R.
Cahilly; http://youtu.be/cPsqXScNF3s

Interview: http://youtu.be/24oGPPhllPo

36. Yundi Li (b. 1982)

Yundi Li was born in Chongqing, China and his fascination with music
was noticed as early as three year of age. Li started by learning the
accordion. He urged his parents to send him for piano lessons and won his
first competition when he was 12 to enter the music school in Sichuan
Province.

Li won the Stravinsky Competition in USA at 13. Then onwards he won

many prestigious awards including Frederic Chopin Competitionin
Warsaw at the age of 18.

He is another one to add to the list of large number

of wonderful professional pianists storming the world from
China.

Yundi Li
He has done many recordings with Gramophone so far.

He is a great inspiration for all the budding young pianists of China. He is

simple, unaffected by fame apart of being a gifted and a proficient pianist.

My favourite: Live in Concert from the Festspielhaus Baden

Baden; http://youtu.be/ELhj8CToYYI .He executes this hefty programme
with the deftness of a virtuoso.

Chopin- Nocturne No.2 Op9. ; http://youtu.be/XMv53orNKnc

Prokofiev- Piano Concerto No.2 with The Rotterdam Philharmonic

Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nezet-
Seguin; http://youtu.be/9oGVzW4HD4Y

Interview: http://youtu.be/10b3TWnMLsQ

37. John Chen (b. 1986)

“A prodigiously talented young man whose early achievements would make many
more mature performers envious”-Music critic William Dart, New
Zealand Herald.

John Chen was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, naturalised in New

Zealand. Chen started learning the piano at the age of three and obtained
the Master of Music degree from the University of Auckland, New
Zealand. After winning his first competition when he was nine, Chen won
many competitions thereafter. His first official performance with New
Zealand Symphony Orchestra was at 15 years, when he performed
Prokofiev’s Concerto No.3.

I have been to his performances before he became famous! What a humble,

simple young man he is. We are very proud of him here in New Zealand.
 John Chen

Chen’s main interest is with 20th century French music and recorded
with Naxos many compositions from Modern era composers.

His brilliance lies in his technique whether he plays baroque or modern; he

is able to bring out the intentions of the composer.

My favourite: Mozart- Piano Sonata in G Major, K

283; http://youtu.be/yM9zYESCfHY?list=PLQXNN_WHqGGsBFnlxw9kCtZ
JNdw-d1JU8 ; beautiful technique.

Rachmaninov- Etude Tableau in D minor. No.4,

Op.33; http://youtu.be/ABDQs8EAGSg

Schumann- Piano Concerto in A minor, with Ludwig Symphony

Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Ludwig; http://youtu.be/zRyBM1n1U-w

38. Yuja Wang (b 1987)

Yuja Wang was born in Beijing in 1987 and started learning the piano at
the age of six. She had her music education in Beijing Central Conservatory
of Music. Wang won the concerto competition at Calgary’s Mount Royal
College in 1999. She had two years’ study there and entered the Curtis
Institute in Philadelphia where she graduated in 2008.
Wang’s international fame came to her most unexpectedly when she filled
in for Martha Argerich at Tchaikovsky’s Concerto No.1 with Boston
Symphony Orchestra in 2007. The critics raved about her performance and
in the following year she substituted for Murray Perahia. Then onwards,
she had made a name and won the hearts of the concertgoer.

She has wide range of music recorded.

I like her technique and clarity; she has the ability to bring out new
emotions in what she plays.

She has both beauty and the brains. And not only that,
she carries out herself well, as much as she carries out her
emotions in her music.

Yuja Wang

My favourite is her interpretation of Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1 in

G minor op.25; http://youtu.be/2GGx8TRWFVA

As a child (<12): Mozart Sonata in C Major,

K545; http://youtu.be/T2sdOwMkdf8
Ravel-La Valse; http://youtu.be/Jsm-HaRwI2I It is elegance. It is passion
and it is mind boggling!

Shostakovich- Piano Concerto No.1; http://youtu.be/nSQgNpNjcpg

An interview with her shows her as a normal easy going person;

Interview with BBC; http://youtu.be/ynE4p3wV3AI

She is placed well, in a world predominantly male, even in the 21st

century.

39.Danil Trifonov (b. 1991)

“Hearing Trifonov is like having a deep-tissue massage: you keep wanting to pull
away from the sheer intensity of it, and you come out feeling as if your reality had
been slightly altered. His recital [was a knockout] . . .” Washington Post, January
2013

Danil Trifonov was born in Nizhny Novgord, to professional musician

parents. They recongnised his musical talents from a very early age and
supported him to develop it. Danil started learning the piano at the age of
five. His first performance with orchestra was when he was eight which
was memorable for him for another reason too; one of his baby teeth came
off while performing at this concert! But he realised the importance and the
value in playing music when he broke his arm at 13 when he was going to
his piano lesson; he fell in the slippery snow and broke his arm which kept
him away from playing for more than three weeks.
 Danil Trivonov

Trifonov came to the limelight in 2010-2011 when he one three prestigious

competitions. He was the winner at Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow
and the Arthur Rubeinstein Competition in Tel Aviv while he became the
third at Chopin Competition in Warsaw.

Why I like him is that he has a sense of vivid imagination apart from the
energy he puts into making it both, sensitive and thrilling.

He is a young performer as well as a composer.

I love the way he makes the piano sing.

Chopin- Barcarolle in F sharp Major; http://youtu.be/3apedFIjb6U

Rachmaninov- Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with Israel

Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin
Mehta; http://youtu.be/AAu6BRWL8p8

He shows the signs of a mature pianist even at this young age. Don’t you
think, that it would be our privilege to hear him more, in the future?

40. Benjamin Grosvenor (b 1992)

Benjamin Grosvenor was born in England to father who is a drama
teacher and a private piano teacher mother. He is the youngest of five
brothers. Grosvenor started studying the piano with his mother when he
was six. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He received
the Queen’s Award for Excellence for the best all-round student of the
year, at his graduation as BMus in 2012.

Benjamin Grosvenor

His first public recital was at a local church in 2003. Grosvenor performed
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No,21 as his first concerto with Westcliff Sinfonia.
In the same year he won four competitions-The Southend Young Musician
of the Year, The Essex Young Musician of the Year, The Emanuel Trophy
and The EPTA Trophy to become the youngest ever winner of them. He
was just ten.

Since then, he has won many prestigious awards and continues to thrill his
audience and recorded music of various composers.

My favourite: Liszt Piano Concerto No.2, Part 01; http://bit.ly/1puAtOl

As a child (11 years); Scarlatti- Sonata in F sharp minor, K

25; http://youtu.be/LMCXZHB79sk

JS Bach- Gigue from Partita No.4 in D; http://youtu.be/wzZ_CHs2RfI

Benjamin Britten- Piano Concerto, Part
03; http://youtu.be/lPJxtL8rpPg Grosvenor is able to show
the classical and the jazziness of the work brilliantly.

Interview BBC Proms; http://youtu.be/OMD392dehVo

jazz
41. Arthur (Art) Tatum (1905-1956)

Art Tatum was born in Toledo, Ohio; he was a self-taught pianist who was
partially blind and learned to read music in Braille. Tatum became famous
in the 1930s. He was greatly influenced by Fats Waller who was an
innovator of Jazz. Tatum got into the local music scene as a
teenager.Tatum was a talented improviser and performed and recorded as
a soloist .

Art Tatum

The ornamentations and improvisations are clean and clear making it

sound yet so simple.

Art Tatum died in Los Angeles, California from complications of a kidney

decease.
My favourite; Begin the Beguine; http://youtu.be/z14Zsu5ZvNg

Tiger Rag; http://youtu.be/4BTw6epdq7g

Solo Masterpieces; http://youtu.be/1SnJSHfMAxQ

Interview; http://youtu.be/f0WtD_fGuFI

42. Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917-1982)

Thelonious Monk was born in North Carolina but his parents move to
New York City when he was four and he would spend his next five
decades of his life there. He started learning piano when he was 11 but
already knew how to read music because he used to watch his sister
practise the piano. He took part in weekly amateur competition at the
Apollo Theatre so many times by the time he was 13 and they banned him
from taking part anymore!

He dropped out of school at 17 to pursue his music career. Monk preferred

playing for small bands as could experiment and improvise. His
improvisations and style led the step to modern jazz.

His music is still fresh and appealing. I am sure you would agree.

Monk’s first recording was in 1944 although he did not record under his
name until 1947.

Thelonious Monk died in Weehawken, New Jersey.

 Thelonious Monk
Monk’s style is unique in that it is percussive with unusual repetitions and
dissonant sounds.

My favourite: Thelonious Alone in San Francisco (full

album); http://youtu.be/g4mVNZQC9DM The music is refreshing despite
the fact that it was recorded in 1959.

“Well, You Needn’t“, with Jazz 625; http://youtu.be/UfXxDtDuW9g

Monk’s Dream (full album); http://youtu.be/zriS77PCaTk

Documentary (full); http://bit.ly/1pndNeg

43. Bill Evans (1929-1980)

Bill Evans was born in Plainfield, N.J. whose mother was a Ukrainian
descendent and father, Welsh. Evans started piano lessons at the age of six
along with the violin and the flute. He had access for classical music sheets
as his mother was a classical pianist. Evans first learnt the classical piano
but late developed an interest with Jazz. He confessed that learning
classical piano helped his technique. He played for bands as a teenager and
formed his own trio with his friends in 1950.

You will see the innovator in Evans who gets into your soul.

Bill Evans

Evans was first noticed by other musicians when he played “Concerto for
Billy the Kid”. He started recording from 1955 which led to signing up with
Riverside label.

My favourite; Take 2- Autum Leaves; http://youtu.be/D_Xbiwl4vWg

In Memory of His Father, solo; http://youtu.be/3kbK3urh7NM

Bill Evans Trio- How My Heart Sings! ( full

album); http://youtu.be/Jl5GDXb2fwQ

Interview; http://youtu.be/JuEo2gNv6oQ (the last, in 1980)

44. Herbert Jeffery Hancock (1940-1968)

Herbie Hancock was born in Chicago, illinois and started studying piano
when he was seven. Hancock was a classical pianist, playing Mozart with
the Chicago Symphony Orchestra but enjoyed jazz. He admired and
respected classical composer Gershwin who did much for jazz and blues.
In 1956 he entered Grinnell College with idea of becoming an electrical
engineer but later switched on to music.

His debut album was “Takin’Off” which set the jazz recording career.

You’ll never get tired of watching him or listening to him.

Herbie Hancock

He has won an Academy Award and many Grammy Awards.

He had the ability to bring out each note separately and yet make
harmony.

My favourite: Water Melon Man; http://youtu.be/p4ASTMFN-h4 A truly

jazzed up old time favourite.

Jazz Fusion, Cantaloupe Island; http://youtu.be/XrgP1u5YWEg

Takin’ Off (full album); http://youtu.be/yx3vYIi41_U

Interview; http://youtu.be/FmHv6-7GRaI

45. Armando Anthony (Chick) Corea (b.1941)

Chick Corea was born Armando Anthony Cores in Chelsea,
Massachusetts, USA and started learning music when he was
four. Corea learnt the basics of piano music from his father who was also a
musician. His father took him to many musical events and first drew his
inspiration for jazz from Bud Powell although he was studying classical
music at the time.

Corea performed his father during his young days but started gigs on his
own while in high school. When it came to jazz, he studied the music
of Horace Silver () and later Corea’s trio had many of Silver’s tunes.

He made many recordings and won 20 Grammys.

Chick Corea

He dedicated many compositions of his, to his childhood and dedicated

“Armando Rhumba” to his father.

His music is beautiful, mellow and resonant.

My favourite; Armando’s Rhumba; http://youtu.be/IICq8ZZ8IgM

Legends of Jazz: http://youtu.be/PnSC0tRmya4

The Ultimate Adventure 2007 (full album);http://youtu.be/LmOttylqBbM

Interview; http://youtu.be/ZWlw3XxiXXY
 pop
46. Jerry Lee Lewis (b.1935)

Jerry Lee Lewis was born in Ferrday, Louisiana, which was a small
community. He self-taught the piano and was one of the early showmen of
the 1950s in rock music. His talents were apparent from a very early age
and his father mortgage his family farm to buy young Lewis was 10.

Lewis gave his first public performance at the age of 14 and mesmerised
the crowd. Lewis dropped out of school and focused on building a career
with his music.He had a set back when he married his 13 year old cousin
but Lewis continued to perform and made a comeback later. His name is in
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1986.

True King of Rock and Roll? Yes. Definitely. You agree?

Jerry Lee Lewis

His finger-work and improvisations makes him a world class piano player.

My favourite: Boogie Woogie Man; http://youtu.be/ZKewiRLSjog

Whole Lotta Shaking Going On; http://youtu.be/xraIf_cYRQE

Live in Concert 1983; http://youtu.be/-Bx1V6-m6lg

Full album Rock and Roll; http://bit.ly/1rEAmj1

Interview; http://youtu.be/zE6ueruVO9Y

47. Sir Elton John (b.1947)

Elton John was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England, as Reginald Kenneth

Dwight. He is a successful, popular pop artist and the biggest icon of music
in the 20th century. He self-taught piano when he was only four, and soon
his talents were discovered. Dwight won a scholarship at the age of 11,
to Royal Academy of Music, London where he studied for six years.

Dwight joined is first band Bluesology in 1961. The band was backing
touring American soul and R&B musicians by 1965. In 1966 this band was
the supporting band for Baldry’s which toured England. Dwight was not
happy with the band and started searching for other openings but failed.
Although Dwight failed the audition with Liberty Records but, he was
given a pile of lyrics for which he wrote music. He corresponded with the
lyricist and started recording under the name Elton John.

The recordings were not much of a success for John until he released his
first album in 1970 in the USA which made him a huge international star.

His creativity is unmatched; he will even sing about your stove! Click on
“creativity” and it’s there in my blog under point no.6.
 Sir Elton John

He had equal success in Broadway too. He composed for Billy Elliot (2008)
which won 10 Tony Awards.In 1994 he wrote the music for the blockbuster
The Lion King and entered Rock and Roll Hall for Fame in the same year.
He re wrote Candle in the Wind (which was originally and eulogy for
Marilyn Monroe) for the tragic death of Prices Diana in 1997. It became the
fastest selling hit of all times both in UK and USA. His hit singles are
unmatched today with an impressive discography and a filmography.

Elton John was knighted in 1998.

This is my favourite ; Crocodile Rock; http://youtu.be/Y2Ta0qCG8No

Daniel; http://youtu.be/bzT9Zw3tBhU

Greatest hits album; http://youtu.be/bVfpPi0KfZo

Live full concert 2013; http://youtu.be/Z3dvBj-bznY

Interview; http://youtu.be/ESpLbFcL7sk

48.William (Billy) Martin Joel (b. 1949)

Billy Joel was born in Bronx, New York and the family moved to
Levittown, which is a famous suburb in Longisland. His father was an
accomplished pianist but it was his mother who encouraged him to study
the piano. Joel started playing when he was four showing great promise.
He had already joined his third band as a pro, by the time he was 16!

Joel’s first album Cold Spring was disappointing which was released in
1971 but bounced back in 1973 with Piano Man featuring the song Piano
Man. Then onwards Joel went on to make many successful albums.

His songs are timeless. They are popular with the young ones of today too.

Billy Joel

He was indicted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, with worldwide
song sales. He received Kennedy Center Honors in 2013.

My favourite: Up Town Girl; http://youtu.be/hCuMWrfXG4E I love the

melody and the video clip; so entertaining!

Piano Man; http://youtu.be/8sFlBJ1Jk3w

Greatest Hits (full album); http://youtu.be/5BZa0JObZvg

Must See/ hear! Piano Man (again!!); http://youtu.be/fcYSSYnf_l8 Now

wasn’t that brilliant?

Interview; http://youtu.be/8PqOOEJlwmw

Live at Wembly Arena,6.8.84; http://youtu.be/b8qkHDPPYUk

Just can’t get enough of him!

49.Richard Clayderman (b.1953)

Richard Clayderman was born Philippe Pages, in Paris whose father was a
piano teacher. Pageslearnt the basics of music by listening to his father
giving lessons. His grandfather bought him and old piano when he was six,
as he was showing his talents with the piano. Pages won many local
competitions and entered Paris Conservatoire when he was 11 where he
won the first prize at 16. Then onwards his destiny was planned.

In 1977, his career took a turn to carve his destiny as a great romantic music
player when Olivier Toussaint and Paul de Senneville, Directors of
Delphine was looking for someone to perform a romantic ballad
called Ballade pour Adeline which was written for Paul’s daughter. By now
he has become Richard Clayderman. It has sold nearly 22 million copies
since 1977.

Clayderman travelled the world giving concerts and people adored him
for his style in music and pleasant demeanour. He made classical music
less “formal” which appealed to the masses.

Nancy Raegan nicknamed him “The Prince of Romance” after the concert
at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1984.

He recorded his music with many orchestras and had an estimated 800
million viewers on his tour in Shanghai in 1987. He was named China’s
Favourite Pianist and the sales of his albums soared.

He plays pop in a classical style and classics in a pop style. Whichever the
way, his music appeals to everybody.
 Richard Claydernan

I listened to so much of his music during the 80s and tried to play my
favourites like him. Mind you, I can play Ballade pour Adeline quite well!

I love his performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and that’s how my

daughter heard about Gershwin first! I introduced classical music for my
children through his Classic Touch which is pure entertainment.

Ballade pour Adeline; http://youtu.be/gfsgXJQ0ebU

Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue, performed by Richard

Clayderman; http://youtu.be/LIrJGiHyIBs

The Classic Touch with London Symphony

Orchestra; http://youtu.be/wbl8BdIAtuY

Interview: http://youtu.be/ZO0dJQw_-dM

50. Yoshiki Hayashi (b.1965)

Yoshiki Hayashi was born in Tateyama, Chiba, Japan and started taking
piano lessons when he was four.

Hayashi showed great interest in the music of Beethoven and Mozart and
started composing music for the piano around the age of ten. There came a
decisive point in his life when his committed suicide when Hayashi was
still a child, which made find solace in rock music.

Hayashi formed his first band Noise in 1982 and found his own recording
label Extasy Records in 1986 which he owns in Japan and Los Angelese. He
formed the legendary Japanese rock band, X Japan.

His breakthrough came in 1989 when they release the album Blue Blood
which stayed for more than 100 weeks in Oricon charts at No.6. His
blockbuster album was Jealousy in 1991 which sold millions. It made the
mark for his albums to be known internationally.

Hayashi is a well known name in Asia and is a rising figure in the West.

Yoshiki Hayashi

Hayashi was not only a rock music artist but also a talented classical
pianist. His Eternal Melody which is classical album. It performed by
the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the producer was George
Martin who was the producer for Beatles.

He composed the theme for Golden Globes 69th Premier in 2012.

His body movements tells a story when he is at the piano.

My favourite: Anniversary- celebration for Emperor and
Empress;http://youtu.be/aznB49pbFto. Very artistic and beautiful in
presentation.

Piano solo from X Japan; http://youtu.be/9CVNdhIuIt8

Yoshiki Classical- Live in London; http://youtu.be/e1pHxDHRHgI

Interview:http://youtu.be/c2f88JAiD-c

The list will go on, as it should be. I sincerely hope, that I have given you
something not only useful but also enjoyable. My intention was to give you
as much information as possible so that you don’t have to waste your time
searching the web.

You must be having your favourites too, whom I would have omitted.
Please let me know about them for it will be beneficial to us all.

bibliography

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