Piano Forum

Piano Board => Miscellaneous => Polls etc. => Topic started by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 05:05:45 PM

Title: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 05:05:45 PM
Who will win? Only the shadow knows... ;D

If I have neglected to list your candidate please post them and I will add them to the poll.

EDIT IMPORTANT

This has been reopened after 11 months, and is starting from scratch again with all pianists at zero. votes. I have deleted Alicia de Larrocha as she has retired  and added Valentina Litsita, Kemal Gekic, Wibi Soerjadi and Ingolf Wunder.

IF YOUR PIANIST IS NOT ON THE LIST TELL ME IN A POST AND I WILL ADD THEM so don't vote for someone else because your artist isn't there.

YOU MAY ONLY VOTE ONCE so vote carefully.  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pseudopianist on November 14, 2005, 05:15:13 PM
Hamelin?
Angela Hewitt? :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 05:36:32 PM
Hamelin?
Angela Hewitt? :)

There they are, so sorry... :-[
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 14, 2005, 06:21:14 PM
I don't know about greatest, but Jarrett doesn't deserve to be on the list.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mr david on November 14, 2005, 06:25:08 PM
Very hard to decide, but if forced I would have to say Grigory Sokolov. :)

In short, because in all the repertoire I've heard him play his interpretations have been interesting and revealing, and very often outstanding.

At the moment, I couldn't say the same about any of the other pianists listed above; and that is partly because I haven't heard many of them play such a great variety of music.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: palika dunno on November 14, 2005, 06:26:52 PM
come on...lang lang is the best of the 21st century!!!
hamelin probably the worst....IMO....

palika  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: superstition2 on November 14, 2005, 06:27:28 PM
It depends on the repertoire. It also depends on whether we're talking about today, or the past.

come on...lang lang is the best of the 21st century!!!
hamelin probably the worst....IMO....
Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov sonata #2 is better than Lang Lang's.

Hamelin's Roslavets is a great disc.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 07:02:01 PM
I don't know about greatest, but Jarrett doesn't deserve to be on the list.

You know I agree with you  but he has many devoted admirers, and represents another point of view that is refreshing IMO, so I put him in. He may be the most original and unique pianist since Thelonious Monk.

BTW my vote was for Martha Argerich.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 07:09:24 PM
Very hard to decide, but if forced I would have to say Grigory Sokolov. :)


He is now on the ballot!  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 14, 2005, 07:12:18 PM
I haven't heard his jazz so maybe there he is worth something.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: palika dunno on November 14, 2005, 07:21:46 PM
Quote
Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov sonata #2 is better than Lang Lang's.

I doubt that. I have the complete piano works of chopin played by ashkenazy...he sucks a bit IMO...I don't like him at all.

Quote
Hamelin's Roslavets is a great disc.

I doubt that, too. My problem with Hamelin is that he's simply not a musician. His technique might be the greatest of the 21st century but his music is dead, boring, anoyoing, his sound is crap...he sits so stiff in front of the piano...no emotion at all, only virtuosity, IMO virtuosity for it's sake.

palika
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: chopiabin on November 14, 2005, 07:42:02 PM
Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov sonata #2 is better than Lang Lang's.

I've never heard Lang Lang's, but I agree that Ashkenazy's is amazing - it's infinitely better than Idil Biret's (dry and rickety sounding) and it's much clearer (partially due to recoding quality) and more solid feeling than Horowitz's version.

Has anyone heard of Phillipe Entremont? I have a disc that has Nelson Friere playing Chop's preludes and Entremont playing the ballades. I have never heard anything as profound and personal in any interpretation. I would love to hear some more of his recordings - he might become my fave.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: zheer on November 14, 2005, 07:46:40 PM
Phillipe Entremont? I have a disc that has Nelson Friere playing Chop's preludes and Entremont playing the ballades. I have never heard anything as profound and personal in any interpretation. I would love to hear some more of his recordings - he might become my fave.

AHA, try listning to his Debussy CD.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: danyal on November 14, 2005, 08:12:46 PM
I doubt that. I have the complete piano works of chopin played by ashkenazy...he sucks a bit IMO...I don't like him at all.

I doubt that, too. My problem with Hamelin is that he's simply not a musician. His technique might be the greatest of the 21st century but his music is dead, boring, anoyoing, his sound is crap...he sits so stiff in front of the piano...no emotion at all, only virtuosity, IMO virtuosity for it's sake.

palika

Oh lighten up! Remove the prick and clear your mind and maybe you will discover that music is not so stiff and serious as you make it out to be. I have the same CD set by Ashkenazy. I think its awsome. Try listening to it without being so revoltingly over-critical. You MIGHT just hear things that you never thought possible... could it be.... MUSIC maybe?

Smile. It helps.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: palika dunno on November 14, 2005, 08:19:21 PM
Quote
that music is not so stiff and serious as you make it out to be.
I don't say music is stiff and serious  :o Hamelin is stiff and serious and that's why I dont like him.

As to Ashkenazy...of courser he is not bad...he is a great pianist maybe...but I personally don't like his sound...his chopin etudes just suck...and much of his other stuff, too.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 14, 2005, 08:58:51 PM

i'm really a novice still at trying to figure out who has the sound i best like.  i think it varies by what they play.  i mean, some pianists play certain pieces better than others - so i would have to pair up the piece (once i get a better understanding of who plays what best) with the pianist.  don't you think that some pieces are well suited to certain pianists hands?  just wondering.  and their techniques to certain composers.
 
i've recently heard some obscure pianists on the radio and thought 'who is that?'  it's always interesting to just hear a new interpretation of something. 
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 14, 2005, 09:20:09 PM
Has anyone heard of Phillipe Entremont? I have a disc that has Nelson Friere playing Chop's preludes and Entremont playing the ballades. I have never heard anything as profound and personal in any interpretation. I would love to hear some more of his recordings - he might become my fave.

Hey I forgot about them, hope you haven't voted! Here they come.... :P :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 14, 2005, 09:33:15 PM
why am i still in love with barry douglas?  he composes some of his own music too.  i like that kind of pianist.  oh dear.  i googled 'pianist barry douglas' and he's also now a conductor, too.  he recently conducted the beethoven symphonies.  i'm madly in love with his musicality.  good thing he lives in ireland or i'd be stalking him (on crutches).  not really - but i would go to all the concerts. 

a thousand red roses are laid at your feet. 

www.musicnetwork.ie/bdouglas1.php

and, he's showing interest in music education, too, with promotion of Stephen Gardner's 'The Ill-Tempered Clavier.' 
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: chromatickler on November 14, 2005, 10:08:37 PM
hahahaha respect fo da incluzion of da PAVEMENT
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: chopiabin on November 14, 2005, 11:58:51 PM
I don't say music is stiff and serious  :o Hamelin is stiff and serious and that's why I dont like him.

As to Ashkenazy...of courser he is not bad...he is a great pianist maybe...but I personally don't like his sound...his chopin etudes just suck...and much of his other stuff, too.

Well, the man has extreme arthritis and yes, it does show in his newer recording of the etudes, but honestly, do you have to be so harsh? Listen to the recording of the etudes from his youth - apparently it's magnificent.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 15, 2005, 12:54:59 AM
yeah the arthritis has to suck. I hear he tends to stick with Mozart and Bach more. It apparently is less irritating on his arthritis.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stevie on November 15, 2005, 02:21:54 AM
horowitz
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: canucks13 on November 15, 2005, 03:36:38 AM
horowitz
vladimir horowitz: 1903-1989

 ::)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 15, 2005, 04:02:08 AM
owned
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brahmsian on November 15, 2005, 04:16:34 AM
Pollini.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: chopiabin on November 15, 2005, 05:07:03 AM
yeah the arthritis has to suck. I hear he tends to stick with Mozart and Bach more. It apparently is less irritating on his arthritis.

Yeah - I mean, don't we have to give the guy credit for recording virtually the entire mainstream piano repertoire? And yeah, I can see how some of the techniques from the Romantic period (10-1 anybody?) could make someone's arthritis act up.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 15, 2005, 05:34:37 AM
why am i still in love with barry douglas?  he composes some of his own music too.  i like that kind of pianist.  oh dear.  i googled 'pianist barry douglas' and he's also now a conductor, too.  i am madly in love.  and he recently conducted the beethoven symphonies.  i'm madly in love with his musicality.  good thing he lives in ireland or i'd be stalking him (on crutches).  not really - but i would go to all the concerts. 



He is now on the ballot you may vote for him! :D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mikey6 on November 15, 2005, 05:49:58 AM
what about piotr anderszewski? his Diabelli variations are apparrently good.  I've got his a few Voilin Sonatas by him and Mullova and there'yre rather good.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 15, 2005, 05:56:40 AM
what about piotr anderszewski?

You may now vote for him..... :D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stevie on November 15, 2005, 08:59:05 AM
vladimir horowitz: 1903-1989

 ::)


his legend lives on  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: maul on November 15, 2005, 10:40:16 AM
Berezovsky
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 15, 2005, 03:38:33 PM

his legend lives on  :)

true  8)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: canucks13 on November 15, 2005, 09:33:30 PM

his legend lives on  :)

in that case, i vote for liszt  ;D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: lisztisforkids on November 15, 2005, 09:35:28 PM
Ax.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stormcrow on November 15, 2005, 10:23:26 PM
It's funny, I've herd of almost none of these pianists until the last few months.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: phil13 on November 16, 2005, 04:26:20 AM
Stanislav Bunin?
Peter Katin?
Koji?  ;)

Phil
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: cherub_rocker1979 on November 16, 2005, 05:13:05 AM
Nikolai Lugansky
Howard Shelley
Piers Lane
Elena Kuschnerova
Leslie Howard
Ingolf Wunder
Bernd Glemser
Stephen Coombs
Earl Wild
Alexander Kobrin
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: practicingnow on November 16, 2005, 09:10:09 AM
Sokolov, Watts, and Katsaris are the best three on that list...
(not in any order)...
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: Dazzer on November 16, 2005, 12:47:07 PM
Where's koji and meiting?

haha
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 16, 2005, 03:50:27 PM
Where's koji and meiting?

haha

on the ballot, hoho ;)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 16, 2005, 03:53:25 PM
Nikolai Lugansky
Howard Shelley
Piers Lane
Elena Kuschnerova
Leslie Howard
Ingolf Wunder
Bernd Glemser
Stephen Coombs
Earl Wild
Alexander Kobrin

I will add the ones I have heard... :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mrchops10 on November 16, 2005, 04:56:48 PM
I'm surprised no one mentioned Bronfman. I have heard him several times in concert, each one unforgettable. He records regularly with the most famous conductors, plays with Gil Shaham and other superstars, and this fall opened the Carnegie Hall season (with an incredible performance of Rach 3). I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite living pianist, but he should definitely be considered.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 16, 2005, 05:21:08 PM
I'm surprised no one mentioned Bronfman.  he should definitely be considered.

You are right, there he is. I have his Brahms f minor Sonta and enjoy it very much.  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 17, 2005, 02:59:48 PM
Poll closing soon.... :o
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: musicsdarkangel on November 17, 2005, 06:47:09 PM
Ashkenazy and Brendel for me.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 17, 2005, 07:09:56 PM
walter Hautzig
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: hinski on November 17, 2005, 11:10:12 PM
Ronald Turini
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: hinski on November 17, 2005, 11:11:25 PM
Ronald Turini and many many other great pianists
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 18, 2005, 12:20:40 AM
martha argerich would be very happy to know she has a fan club here, i think.  this beats all those female pianist bashing threads.  (even when i voted for a guy). 
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: hodi on November 18, 2005, 12:22:03 AM
PERAHIA!!!!!!
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 18, 2005, 12:31:04 AM
walter Hautzig

Dude it gets a lot better than this guy, I think he's a hack. And arrogant. But I will put him on the list... :P
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 18, 2005, 12:35:56 AM
Ronald Turini

Horowitz' favorite student and a brilliant pianist; Horowitz said of him "he deserves a better place than he has. But he is very shy and not a pusher..."

On the ballot he goes :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 18, 2005, 04:15:06 AM
Dude it gets a lot better than this guy, I think he's a hack. And arrogant. But I will put him on the list... :P

Sorry I had an unpleasent run in with this cat years ago when I was your age, I think (oh jeez I sound like my father...AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :( :( :( :( :( ..... :-\ )

I think he has a remarkable memory and a comprehensive knowledge, but I found his playing to be ugly and coarse, and technically sloppy. Not to mention his snide criticisms of Cortot, Horowitz and other really great pianists.

I did not like him, as a player or a person, and I think he felt the same way about me. Different strokes for different folks, or whatever...not attacking you, Bolivar... :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stevie on November 18, 2005, 07:01:20 AM
Marc-Andre Hamelin
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ronde_des_sylphes on November 18, 2005, 11:22:04 AM
I'd vote for Zimerman. I'm surprised Pierre-Laurent Aimard is not on the list; Louis Lortie is pretty good also.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 18, 2005, 03:23:38 PM
I'd vote for Zimerman. I'm surprised Pierre-Laurent Aimard is not on the list; Louis Lortie is pretty good also.

They are now  :D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: BoliverAllmon on November 19, 2005, 02:48:12 AM
Sorry I had an unpleasent run in with this cat years ago when I was your age, I think (oh jeez I sound like my father...AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :( :( :( :( :( ..... :-\ )

I think he has a remarkable memory and a comprehensive knowledge, but I found his playing to be ugly and coarse, and technically sloppy. Not to mention his snide criticisms of Cortot, Horowitz and other really great pianists.

I did not like him, as a player or a person, and I think he felt the same way about me. Different strokes for different folks, or whatever...not attacking you, Bolivar... :)

didn't take it as an attack. If you think his recordings are terrible (I have only heard him live) that is a good thing for you and me my friend. Gives us hope that we can become pros as well. LOL
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: viking on November 19, 2005, 03:08:44 AM
ANTON KUERTI!!!
SAM
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: superstition2 on November 19, 2005, 04:52:36 AM
I doubt that. I have the complete piano works of chopin played by ashkenazy...he sucks a bit IMO...I don't like him at all.
I have a disc of him playing Beethoven sonatas and it's not good. Rubinstein playing the same sonatas is much better.

Some Ashkenazy recordings are stellar, like that Rachmaninov sonata, the Scriabin concerto (Prometheus is good, too), and the Prokofiev Concerto #2. Others aren't too impressive. His Scriabin sonatas are a mixed bag. The best performances are #1, and #8. #7 and #10 are disappointing. My choice for #3, #4, #5, and #10 is Robert Taub, ignoring Horowitz's live stuff.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 19, 2005, 07:08:14 AM
Anton Kuerti,


he is there.... :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 19, 2005, 07:20:20 AM
Poll closing soon.... :o
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 12:55:20 AM
And the winners of  The arensky Piano Forum Greatest Living Pianist Piano Competition are.....



1st Place...Martha Argerich, Argentina/Switzerland :-*   (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/argcarn.jpg)

2nd Place...Marc-Andre Hamelin, Canada/Quebec and Vladimir Ashkenazy, Russia/UK (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/picweek.jpg)(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/vladimir3.jpg)

3rd Place...Murray Perahia, USA and Alfred Brendel, Austria (?)(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/perahia.jpg)(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/Brendel.jpg)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 01:24:21 AM
OK, post-game analysis? Why did you vote for who you voted for? Specific performances or recordings? PS I may reopen the poll at some point., removing those individuals who recieved 0 votes... :-[

Happy, pianistimo? You know, I knew in my heart she would win!  :D The only pianist I thought could beat her was Pollini  :P   >:( , the archvillan and Darth Vader of modern classical piano IMO; he is relegated to semi-finalist  ;D  (PS Honorable Mention is 1 vote, semi-finalist 2 to 3 votes, finalist 4 votes. Everyone else catch your plane after the free cheese and booze!  :-[
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 01:44:21 AM
(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/helenegrimaud.gif)

Ah, poor Helene..je vais a la plage en Costa Rique? There I will comfort you in your sorrow... :'( :-*

Your day will come, mon cherie.  You have the precision, the intellect, DA FURY!!!!!!
I will teach you the sensitivity...how can you resist??? Au fond, c'est moi...:o..8) (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/arensky/dooffy_pierce_brosnan_04.jpg)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 01:50:09 AM
didn't take it as an attack. If you think his recordings are terrible (I have only heard him live) that is a good thing for you and me my friend. Gives us hope that we can become pros as well. LOL

Actually they have always been exactly that sort of schadenfreude (sp?) inspiration
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stevie on November 20, 2005, 02:28:18 AM
(https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/7614/docfury7sx.jpg)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: chromatickler on November 20, 2005, 02:28:18 AM
 ::)

(https://www.larrytt.com/celebrities_playing_tt/lang_lang.jpg)

Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: m on November 20, 2005, 02:43:41 AM
And the winners of  The arensky Piano Forum Greatest Living Pianist Piano Competition are.....



1st Place...Martha Argerich, Argentina/Switzerland

2nd Place...Marc-Andre Hamelin, Canada/Quebec and Vladimir Ashkenazy, Russia/UK

3rd Place...Murray Perahia, USA and Alfred Brendel, Austria


Surprisingly, the one whom I regard as the one who combined in one person the best qualities of all of those all together, and went at least a few steps forward, did not get even an honorable mention:

(https://hibp.ecse.rpi.edu/~john/concert_tiffs/sokolov/586speed.jpg)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 04:56:49 AM
(https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/7614/docfury7sx.jpg)

It's too late for that; the people have spoken! ;D

Aw, big ego take a widdle hit, gonna ruin it for everybody? For you, da salt mines!  ;D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 04:57:59 AM
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 05:02:55 AM
::)

(https://www.larrytt.com/celebrities_playing_tt/lang_lang.jpg)



His day will come, I think...Hell he is the only finalist ! Not too shabby.... :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 05:19:47 AM
yo
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 05:21:02 AM


Surprisingly, the one whom I regard as the one who combined in one person the best qualities of all of those all together, and went at least a few steps forward, did not get even an honorable mention:


He looks familiar, but I cannot place the name with the dude; who is he?

Maybe that's what's wrong with this system; surely there must be a better way...when I've figured it out I will let all of you know....
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: m on November 20, 2005, 07:53:18 AM
He looks familiar, but I cannot place the name with the dude; who is he?

Grigory Sokolov
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: stevie on November 20, 2005, 09:32:58 AM
Grigory Sokolov

we still await the random kinky return
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mr david on November 20, 2005, 04:05:25 PM


Surprisingly, the one whom I regard as the one who combined in one person the best qualities of all of those all together, and went at least a few steps forward, did not get even an honorable mention:

(https://hibp.ecse.rpi.edu/~john/concert_tiffs/sokolov/586speed.jpg)

He got an honourable mention from me, and that's all that matters. :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: tompilk on November 20, 2005, 04:16:39 PM
H A M E L I N ! ! !  ;D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2005, 05:13:28 PM
Grigory Sokolov

He is semi finalist!  :D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: hinski on November 21, 2005, 09:29:45 PM
Although I have great admiration for Lupu, Perahia, Jean-Phillippe Collard, Ashkenazy, Howard Shelley and heard some of them live, my vote goes to Ronald Turini because he gave the most memorable live performances while I was there.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: kreso on November 22, 2005, 10:17:09 PM
Apsolutly, IVO POGORELICH. I heard him two years ago, and I must say that the way he played the holle programe (especialy Beethoven's Sonata op.111) is so unique, that there is nobody who can play like him. He is a pianist who can play with each finger a milion colours, and who can give a total diffrent meaning even to the most popular pieces..
As one critic said: Love him or hate him, Pogorelich guarantee a reaction... ;)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: piazzo23 on November 24, 2005, 02:03:38 AM
And the winners of  The arensky Piano Forum Greatest Living Pianist Piano Competition are.....

1st Place...Martha Argerich, Argentina/Switzerland :-*   

Switzerland? Her house is in Brussels.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 25, 2005, 11:09:28 PM
Switzerland? Her house is in Brussels.

The last information I had placed her in Geneva for many years...you are probably right.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: deja vu on November 26, 2005, 01:03:40 PM
Matha Argerich gets my vote... Or at least, she would, if I wasn't too late for the polls!
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: Teddybear on November 26, 2005, 04:29:36 PM
YAY, Martha!  <3  <3  <3   :)

I find it very strange that absolutely no-one voted for Gavrilov. :/ Oh well, the competition was tough..

T
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 26, 2005, 06:15:06 PM
YAY, Martha!  <3  <3  <3   :)

I find it very strange that absolutely no-one voted for Gavrilov. :/ Oh well, the competition was tough..

T

I find that strange too...then again I voted for Martha, so why should I find it strange... :o
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: sevencircles on November 26, 2005, 07:38:56 PM
Best pianist right now or best when they were in their prime?

An important question to answer before you vote.

If your answer would be different depending onthe question, mention the one you didn´t vote for.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianalex on November 26, 2005, 08:36:34 PM
richard goode?
stephen kovacevich?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: polonaise on September 05, 2006, 06:23:37 PM
I am new here... and I'm sorry for my english... (I know it's bad...) I want to say something... "There are many great pianists but only one Zimerman" - I think he is the greatest...
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on September 05, 2006, 10:23:41 PM
marc-andré hamelin. dont even try to dispute it.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: apion on September 06, 2006, 01:25:40 AM
Zimerman (standard rep)
Hamelin (non-standard rep)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: klick on September 06, 2006, 02:05:56 AM
Most of Hamelin to me is astounding, I do not see why so many people are so over critical of him. So my votes for him like it or not.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: repeat on September 06, 2006, 08:58:19 AM
I am surprised that no one mentions Leif Ove Andsnes. Most critics rates him among a very select group of top pianists of today. Some even place him at the very top.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: counterpoint on September 06, 2006, 10:26:26 AM
Argerich - of course

and then Anton Batagov for the best interpretation of Messiaens Vingt Regards ever!!!
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on September 06, 2006, 10:46:02 AM
I am surprised that no one mentions Leif Ove Andsnes. Most critics rates him among a very select group of top pianists of today. Some even place him at the very top.

He is very good. But in general I would take the word of critics with a grain of salt, they usually have a hidden agenda (like in gramaphone etc). I can't think of any living pianist who I find entirely satisfying, some used to be very good like Ashkenazy and Janis but no more. Some are great technicians but second-rate musicians. Still others are just plain second-rate imo.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianohenry on September 07, 2006, 03:09:06 PM
I really think that ashkenazy OWNS langlang. im really not a great fan of langlang.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arbisley on September 07, 2006, 03:32:32 PM
had no one noticed, the pool is finished and there is a gap of a year between two of the messages?

Anyone interested in Arkady Volodos?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: leuthold on September 17, 2006, 07:41:26 PM
Idil Biret(Turkey) had to be in the list... maybe she isnt the greatest but deserves to be there ;) ..... Maurizio Pollini  (my choice)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on September 18, 2006, 01:37:47 AM
I may reopen the poll at some point., removing those individuals who recieved 0 votes... :-[


Who would like this poll reopened? Post yay if so. If there is an adequate positive response it will be so, perhaps with some other modifications in addition to the one quoted above.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: etudes on September 18, 2006, 02:24:12 AM
agree with sokolov
his live concert was amazing :o
one of the best concert i have heard
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: eduard on September 26, 2006, 06:51:48 PM


KRISTIAN ZIMERMAN
IVAN MORAVEC
MARTHA ARGERICH :D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: phil13 on September 26, 2006, 10:18:40 PM
Who would like this poll reopened? Post yay if so. If there is an adequate positive response it will be so, perhaps with some other modifications in addition to the one quoted above.

I would. There aren't even 10 votes for any single pianist yet.

Phil
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: csy on September 27, 2006, 05:24:22 AM
Grigory Sokolov the greatest.... pianist alive.
Ivo Pogorelich the most interesting~ pianist alive
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on September 27, 2006, 07:47:50 AM
who the smeg nominated piers lane?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: infectedmushroom on September 27, 2006, 09:05:10 AM
Ivo Pogorelich.



The most interesting one: Kemal Gekic !
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: avetma on September 27, 2006, 09:09:50 AM
Ivo Pogorelich.



The most interesting one: Kemal Gekic !

agree.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jakev2.0 on September 27, 2006, 02:05:38 PM
1. Kuerti (true musician, superb pianist, one of the best Schubert players)
2. Berezovsky (probably the best all-round virtuoso alive. the world should watch closely what this man records and where and what he plays in concert)
3. Lugansky (amazing control of dynamics and touch - especially when he plays very fast)
4. Pletnev (Probably the most important composer/conductor pianists alive
5. Ashkenazy (hasn't done anything of value in a while, but was pretty awesome in his prime)

Honourable mentions to: Freire, Volodos, Weissenberg, Gavrilov.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: thaicheow on September 29, 2006, 03:52:13 PM
Idil Biret.

Mitsuko Uchida.

Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: phil13 on September 29, 2006, 04:29:31 PM
Madge.




































just kidding.  :-*

Phil
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: Kassaa on September 29, 2006, 06:33:39 PM
PERAHIA!!!!!!
No. He plays like a sissy, always this careful soft touchy tone that is really annoying. For example his coda of his fourth Chopin ballade, soooo boring.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: phil13 on September 29, 2006, 10:30:26 PM
No. He plays like a sissy, always this careful soft touchy tone that is really annoying. For example his coda of his fourth Chopin ballade, soooo boring.

However, I really like the way Perahia plays Bach's English Suites.

Phil
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pies on September 30, 2006, 12:19:08 AM
Idil Biret.
Have you heard her Ligeti recording? Absolutely awful. Beyond awful.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mikebechstein on October 03, 2006, 04:55:42 AM
The greatest LIVING pianist (the best classical all rounder) is, without doubt….

Murray Perahia.

If you were talking about specific pieces or genres though, then the discussion will be endless. How can you judge a pianist on a particular piece or even a few recordings?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on October 03, 2006, 05:37:12 AM
The greatest LIVING pianist (the best classical all rounder) is, without doubt….

Murray Perahia.
hahahahahahaahahaaaahaahahah

i said not to dispute hamelin's position.

Quote from: phil13
Madge.
haha i had a good laugh from this too.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 05, 2006, 10:05:13 AM
Berezovsky is my favourite I think. Don't really listen to many living pianists or rather don't like many of them.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on October 05, 2006, 10:57:52 AM
i think i'll vote koji atwood.  genius doesn't have to be so old.  but, in terms of long term respect - ashkenazy.  and, for somebody in the middle - of course, barry douglas.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mikebechstein on October 05, 2006, 11:42:47 AM
It would be interesting to see whether we are stating our Favorite pianist or whether we are actually being objective. We can all pick a favorite pianist easily enough (and I would definitely not pick Perahia as my favorite by the way, even if I do think he is the greatest all rounder).

If we are being objective then we must all be using different criteria to judge the worth of a pianist. I like Pogoralich and Hamelin a lot, but I can’t see that they have done enough to be judged as the greatest living pianist. If technique is the major criteria then yes Hamelin stands a good chance. If transporting us to a place that only a few musicians can, then he doesn’t seem to. Other than his technique being effortless what do you hear about him in reviews and experience from his recordings? Good musicianship – yes. Best alive – no.

To judge who is the best pianist alive you cannot let preference for one or two aspects take over your decision making. From the list above, for me, only two pianists have been around long enough and done enough to prove that they are contenders for greatest living pianist and those are Argerich and Perahia.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: thalbergmad on October 05, 2006, 11:49:03 AM
Ian Pace
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 05, 2006, 11:56:06 AM
Ian Pace

The neonazi mouthpiece of Hamas.


If we are being objective then we must all be using different criteria to judge the worth of a pianist.

Obviously we can't be very objective. Beyond a certain level (hitting the notes etc), subjectivity should be assumed

 
Quote
If transporting us to a place that only a few musicians can, then he doesn’t seem to.

and perahia does? *shudders*

He would be a worthy selection (along with brendull and pollini) as the most boring living pianist.

Quote
From the list above, for me, only two pianists have been around long enough and done enough to prove that they are contenders for greatest living pianist and those are Argerich and Perahia.

er just no. Perahia hasn't been around as long as say Radu Lupu, Argerich hasn't been around as long as Pollini. Btw I wouldn't nominate any of the four as the greatest, just showing that even amongst the famous it isn't as cut and dry as you seem to think.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: demented cow on October 05, 2006, 12:34:56 PM
I can't decide between the following:
Argerich (I realised she is a musician when I heard her Beethoven 101)
Pogorelich
Katsaris
Of those alive, they are the people who have blown my head off the most, plus they are all big technicians and excell at various types of repertoire.

Honorable mention to several other people, including
Hamelin
Moravec (underrated)
Zimmerman
Gavrilov

As with most opinions, this is to be taken with a grain of salt because I haven't heard some important people on the list (Kuerti, Hewitt, Watts...)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 05, 2006, 01:57:14 PM
The neonazi mouthpiece of Hamas.

Obviously we can't be very objective. Beyond a certain level (hitting the notes etc), subjectivity should be assumed

 
and perahia does? *shudders*

He would be a worthy selection (along with brendull and pollini) as the most boring living pianist.

er just no. Perahia hasn't been around as long as say Radu Lupu, Argerich hasn't been around as long as Pollini. Btw I wouldn't nominate any of the four as the greatest, just showing that even amongst the famous it isn't as cut and dry as you seem to think.


I dissagree with you calling so good pianist bad.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on October 05, 2006, 03:49:51 PM
Perahia hasn't been around as long as say Radu Lupu, Argerich hasn't been around as long as Pollini
Perahia, Murray          b New York, 19 April 1947
Lupu, Radu                 b Galati, 30 Nov 1945
Pollini, Maurizio           b Milan, 5 Jan 1942
Argerich, Martha         b Buenos Aires, 5 June 1941
The facts show that (a) whilst Perahia hasn't been around as long as Lupu, the age gap between them is less than 18 months and (b) whilst Argerich has actually been around for longer than Pollini, the age gap between them is a mere 8 months; the lengths of time that these artists have "been around" would therefore appear to prove or imply little if anything of import.

Ian Pace
The neonazi mouthpiece of Hamas.
Do you have something against Hamas?
Do you have something against Ian Pace?

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 05, 2006, 05:47:39 PM
I know almost nothing about him.

And I have no idea why you even asked.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on October 05, 2006, 08:14:09 PM
I know almost nothing about him.

And I have no idea why you even asked.
I asked only because there seems to have been a sequence of posts that may be seen as having purported to include remarks that could (or may by someone among the posters to have been intended) to be interpreted as connoting certain negative sentiments about Mr Pace. Rather than offering any kind of value judgements, accusations or defences, I am merely asking any forum member who might subscribe to, or believe that they may identify with, any or all of those remarks to come forward and say why; I was not in any sense directing that particular question at you personally and, at the same time, I note with interest and acceptance the content of the responase that you have made here on the subject concerned.

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on October 05, 2006, 10:07:51 PM
i just heard hamelin's new brahms 2nd concerto CD, and its more proof that he, indeed, is one of the best living pianists, if not number one.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 06, 2006, 12:11:17 AM
Perahia, Murray          b New York, 19 April 1947
Lupu, Radu                 b Galati, 30 Nov 1945
Pollini, Maurizio           b Milan, 5 Jan 1942
Argerich, Martha         b Buenos Aires, 5 June 1941
The facts show that (a) whilst Perahia hasn't been around as long as Lupu, the age gap between them is less than 18 months and (b) whilst Argerich has actually been around for longer than Pollini, the age gap between them is a mere 8 months; the lengths of time that these artists have "been around" would therefore appear to prove or imply little if anything of import.

Why tell me this? I was merely responding to the other bloke, it means nothing to me also. He was the one who brought in this notion of "being around". And I might have guessed you would be so pedantic as to compare ages, when really I was talking in terms of rise to prominence (ie fame, which mikebechstein seems to value). 

Do you have something against Hamas?

I dissagree with you calling so good pianist bad.

What are you talking about Meph? which "so good pianist" did I call bad? The Ian Pace comment was an allusion to this:

https://tinyurl.co.uk/perl

and before ahinton replies, no this has little of "import" in relation to his pianism.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brahmsian on October 06, 2006, 02:58:45 AM
Hamelin

Honerable mention: Berezovsky, Lugansky, Zimmerman
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: thierry13 on October 06, 2006, 03:54:15 AM
Hamelin

Honerable mention: Berezovsky, Lugansky, Zimmerman

Agreed.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 06, 2006, 06:10:06 AM
brew: Do you mean that Ian Pace is an anti-semite? I have read some of his comments there now and they are GREAT.

Palestinians are semits, kurds and Iranians are semits, If Ian Pace is pro-palestinian than he can't be an anti-semite.

Sorry I don't know what you ment.


Pluss I don't consider Pollini a bad pianist, some of his performances are not to my taste and he was beter when he was younger.


Greatest "young" pianists:

Berezovsky
Andsnes
Hamelin
Voldoso
Lugansky

old:
Freire
Many others were better before.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 06, 2006, 06:19:16 AM
Okay people are posting so it's open again.

Last years final results were

1st place Martha Argerich, 8 votes or 12.5% of the total
2nd Place Vladimir Ashkenazy and Marc Andre Hamelin, 7 votes 10.9% of the total
3rd Place Murray Perhaia and Alfred Brendel, 5 votes 7.8% of the total

4th place Lang Lang, 4 votes or 6.3% of the total

5th place Evgeny Kissin and Maurizio Pollini, 3 votes or 4.7% of the total

6th place Grigory Sokolov, Ivo Pogorelich, Arkady Volodos, Mikhail Pletnev, Krystian Zimmerman, 2 votes or 3.1% of the total.

7th place Boris Berezovsky, Emannuel Ax, Francesco Libetta, Cyprien Katsaris, Andre Watts, Radu Lupu, Leif Ove Andsnes, Angela Hewitt, Ivan Moravec, Barry Douglas, Yefim Bronfman, Walter Hautzig or 1.6% of the total.

All other pianists recieved no votes. I said before that I would remove these candidates but I'm going to leave them in, with the exception of Alicia de Larrocha, who has retired at the age of 80. If anyone hears of the retirement, death or incapacitation of any of these pianists please let me know.

I'm going to leave this open at least until 1/7/07, possibly longer. I am adding some pianists, and this is very important; IF YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NOT LISTED, SAY SO IN A POST AND I WILL ADD THEM. So don't vote for someone else because your choice is not here.

 You may only vote ONCE. (see above) So vote carefully, because you may not vote often.  :)

Do discuss and campaingn for your favorite, citing performance/recordings/etc., the debate is what makes this interesting, and who knows you may persuade undecided parties.

Let da game begin  8)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 06, 2006, 07:04:19 AM
brew: Do you mean that Ian Pace is an anti-semite? I have read some of his comments there now and they are GREAT.

Palestinians are semits, kurds and Iranians are semits, If Ian Pace is pro-palestinian than he can't be an anti-semite.

Sorry I don't know what you ment.

Meph, that's understandable. I didn't really mean anything by that comment. While I was posting my reply to bechstein, Thalbergmad posted "Ian Pace" so I posted "the neonazi mouthpiece of Hamas". It wasn't even really a joke, just a random comment. Politically, I agree with almost everything he says on RMCR. Funnily enough, musically, I agree with almost everything Samir says.

Quote
Pluss I don't consider Pollini a bad pianist, some of his performances are not to my taste and he was beter when he was younger.

I don't consider him a bad pianist, just not very stimulating.


Quote
Greatest "young" pianists:

Berezovsky
Andsnes
Hamelin
Voldoso
Lugansky

old:
Freire
Many others were better before.

I agree with the exception of Volodos. I haven't heard him play well musicially yet. His rach 3 is good but it didn't offer anything I hadn't heard before.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 06, 2006, 07:14:59 AM
Ian Pace

OK he's in
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 06, 2006, 07:57:52 AM
Volodos "sound" is extremely good. But i wasn't really sure about putting him in there for the same reasons as you.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on October 06, 2006, 08:40:45 AM
Why tell me this? I was merely responding to the other bloke, it means nothing to me also. He was the one who brought in this notion of "being around". And I might have guessed you would be so pedantic as to compare ages, when really I was talking in terms of rise to prominence (ie fame, which mikebechstein seems to value).
I wasn't telling YOU this; I was posting to the forum as a whole. Furthermore, whilst I do, of course, fully accept your point about "rise to prominence" as distinct from "age", but again it seems not to apply here in any meaningful sense; I am not aware that there was any significant time gap between the "rise to prominence" of Pollini and Argerich...

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 06, 2006, 09:06:25 AM
I wasn't telling YOU this; I was posting to the forum as a whole. Furthermore, whilst I do, of course, fully accept your point about "rise to prominence" as distinct from "age", but again it seems not to apply here in any meaningful sense; I am not aware that there was any significant time gap between the "rise to prominence" of Pollini and Argerich...

Best,

Alistair

Generally when you quote someone, it implies that you are addressing them personally. I never mentioned anything about "significant" time gaps between their respective rises to prominence, my point is that bechstein was incorrect to conclude that by virtue of their having "been around" longer than others Argerich and Perahia were the only candidates worthy of the title.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on October 06, 2006, 10:54:49 AM
Generally when you quote someone, it implies that you are addressing them personally. I never mentioned anything about "significant" time gaps between their respective rises to prominence, my point is that bechstein was incorrect to conclude that by virtue of their having "been around" longer than others Argerich and Perahia were the only candidates worthy of the title.
I accept that it would have been both clearer and more appropriate had I quoted the person who originally made this remark rather than you; I am aware of what you did and did not mention. My point is that, whilst the point at issue was not made by you, it is not a valid point in any case - a fact on which it seems we agree.

I'm sorry if I inadvertently misled you into assuming that I had believed this point to have been made by you personally and that my intention had accordingly been to respond to you personally.

I hope that this clears up any misunderstanding and I apologise if I have caused any.

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 06, 2006, 11:11:15 AM

I hope that this clears up any misunderstanding and I apologise if I have caused any.

Best,

Alistair

No, it's fine. For my part, I wasn't trying to be rude, so I apologise if I can across that way.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: rob47 on October 06, 2006, 03:00:45 PM
Ronald Turini is one of the greatest living pianists

sadly most people will never get a chance to hear why
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 06, 2006, 06:18:16 PM
Ronald Turini is one of the greatest living pianists

sadly most people will never get a chance to hear why

Why not? True Horowitz said "he deserves a better place but he is shy and not a pusher" but does he perform at all anymore, outside of lessons and masterclasses? A friend of mine studied with him for a summer and said he was a great pianist, teacher and person.

Perhaps he is happy with the way things are.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: sevencircles on October 06, 2006, 10:28:30 PM
Some clips that confirm the greatness of Volodos. I love the way he cuts of accending runs and his ear for dynamics and tone is stunning.

Too bad that he is so  uneven musically.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzxQP1cf08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfV8fZK3YGQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJabzkmFMkg

Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mikebechstein on October 07, 2006, 03:48:02 AM
Hello everybody.

When I joined this string originally I stated who I thought my favourite pianist was and why. Some people disagreed (very firmly) with my decision. That is fine and is what discussions are about. I then tried to justify my argument by stating that I thought we had the chance here of really discussing the merits and flaws of certain pianists in a discussion to decide who really was the greatest pianist.

Before and since most posters have just stated that they think pianist A is the best or Pianist B is not so good. Most of the reasoning, however, has been levelled against the disliked pianists (i.e. “Brendul” etc.) Very rarely has anybody said in detail WHY they think a certain pianist is worthy of the crown.

I was hoping, after posting and reading the statements in this string, to have read many other opinions and the reasons for them about other pianists so that maybe I could increase my appreciation of pianism and hopefully start to like even more pianists and therefore have a chance to enjoy their recordings more.

Come on guys, enough with

“I like Pianist A but don’t like Pianist B because he is boring”

and more of

“I think C is the best because his/her technique/touch/sound/concert programming/originality etc, and here are some recordings examples which bear out my arguments…...”

I will start off with stating that I think Moravec is a strong contender as I love his beautiful soundworld. He rarely makes anything but a beautiful sound and his interpretations are very well thought out but never seem too analytical or planned. He manages to remain constantly great in almost all that he records in whatever genre (although I have never heard him in concert). I think his Chopin Mazurkas are almost painfully beautiful (even if they are not quite as idiomatic as, for example, Ignaz Friedman or Rubinstein’s earliest set.) I also think his Frank Prelude Choralle and Fugue is the best modern recording (the best in my opinion is still Cortot.)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: brewtality on October 07, 2006, 07:06:12 AM
You are new here. The same topics are rehashed/revived all the time (this one was from last yr) on this and other piano forums. When I was new to piano forums (and iirc also when I first joined this board), I explained myself well and made clear that it was just my opinion. After a certain amount of repetition, one grows impatient and resorts to assertions, which could be supported but, giving a lack of interest in the topic, aren’t.

 I’d wager if you were to start a new topic on Lang Lang, there would be a not insignificant number of single sentence posts consisting of pronouncements of hatred, disdain or conversely admiration. The reasons for these strong reactions have no doubt been articulated some time in the past. Should posters have to restate these reasons every time a new member comes and posts a LL topic??

As to Brendel, I am generally indifferent to his playing.

I will offer my opinion of his live Schubert D 960 from London.
The first thing I noticed was that his playing lacks clarity. His pedalling is bad, causing the textures to be blurred which makes it hard to listen to. I note a serious lack of power and fury. But neither is there any warmth or tenderness in the first movement. He has a limited dynamic range.

The second movement is probably the highlight, but that might be Schubert’s doing, it is one of the loveliest things he ever wrote, although often mistakenly (imo) milked for all the pathos it could possibly muster. Brendel’s playing here is fair, except for the omnipresent clarity problems. I also think it is too sonorous at times. And there is some misplaced forcefulness. Dynamically, I don’t think he ever gets to PP.

The final movement lacks feeling, and the furious climax which is one of the best passages in all of music imo, is extremely weak. The left hand provides the tension, and in Brendel’s version it is lacking. His idea of getting fury is to accent the RH chords forcefully from time to time.

 His interpretation is boring. This needs further explanation? Ok, I hear nothing in Brendel’s playing that one cannot hear elsewhere. And frankly I’ve heard this sonata played much better. Do you need examples? Richter at Prague  for one. He managed to play so slowly yet keep all the tension. Fiorentino (studio on APR), his slow movement is gorgeous.

In summary, while his playing here is not bad as such, there are definitely things that can be bettered.

From what I've heard of his playing, the problems here are typical of his pianism. Especially the pedalling and banality.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 24, 2006, 12:20:01 AM
bump
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: shasta on October 24, 2006, 06:22:22 PM
Alicia De Laroccha

Can't believe you left her off!      >:(
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jakev2.0 on October 24, 2006, 06:26:08 PM
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: zheer on October 24, 2006, 07:05:12 PM



 Oooooooooooooooo MMMMMMMMmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy  GOD, what the hell was that. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o


   DANGER DANGER.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 24, 2006, 07:24:22 PM


This could be funny, if it was in a "show how bad a composer Stockhausen is" thread. But Pollini obviously loves Stockhausen music(why he does it is beyond me) the same way he loves Bach, Brahms or Beethoven.



That's Pollini.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 24, 2006, 10:56:31 PM
Alicia De Laroccha

Can't believe you left her off!      >:(
Look back to the post when I reopened this; she has retired. If you have not voted, I will put her back in, if you insist.  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 24, 2006, 10:58:53 PM

 Oooooooooooooooo MMMMMMMMmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy  GOD, what the hell was that. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o


   DANGER DANGER.

That was "haw to wipeout classical music! "  ;D
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 24, 2006, 11:09:09 PM



That's Pollini.

Incredible.

But no, that WAS Pollini. I think his best playing was when he was very young, like in that vid. I find most of his playing since his Petrushka/Prokofiev 7th record to be  sterile, except for some Mozart and Beethoven (and of course 20th century rep) I've enjoyed. I can't stand his playing in Romantic or "Impressionistic" music.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: shasta on October 25, 2006, 01:07:52 PM
Look back to the post when I reopened this; she has retired. If you have not voted, I will put her back in, if you insist.  :)

Your title said "greatest LIVING pianist..."

She's alive, you know.     :P
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on October 25, 2006, 01:34:14 PM
Incredible.

But no, that WAS Pollini. I think his best playing was when he was very young, like in that vid. I find most of his playing since his Petrushka/Prokofiev 7th record to be  sterile, except for some Mozart and Beethoven (and of course 20th century rep) I've enjoyed. I can't stand his playing in Romantic or "Impressionistic" music.

Agree, altough I feel he is begining to be great again, that's just a personal oppinion.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 25, 2006, 04:06:28 PM
Your title said "greatest LIVING pianist..."

She's alive, you know.     :P

Ok, she's there.  :)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on October 25, 2006, 04:07:43 PM
Agree, altough I feel he is begining to be great again, that's just a personal oppinion.

You may be right; we shall see.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 20, 2006, 04:39:30 AM
after getting back from a hamelin concert, i am further convinced that he is the greatest living pianist, without a doubt.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 20, 2006, 08:05:53 PM
after getting back from a hamelin concert, i am further convinced that he is the greatest living pianist, without a doubt.

I already voted for Argerich ( I like her temperment ) but the more I watch and listen to Hamelin I think you might be right.

What did he play? And where can I find his concert intinerary, I've looked for it on the net but to no avail.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 20, 2006, 08:30:55 PM
he played the piano concerto "atlantic crossing" by contemporary south african composer kevin volans, which was its world premiere. this piano concerto was one of the most difficult things i have ever seen him play. also, it wasnt a pue technical feat either. the middle had some more passionate parts in it, which he excelled at also.

here is his itinerary:

https://www.giamanagement.com/concertdiary.asp?MusicianID=2
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: tompilk on November 20, 2006, 08:58:04 PM
he played the piano concerto "atlantic crossing" by contemporary south african composer kevin volans, which was its world premiere. this piano concerto was one of the most difficult things i have ever seen him play. also, it wasnt a pue technical feat either. the middle had some more passionate parts in it, which he excelled at also.

here is his itinerary:

https://www.giamanagement.com/concertdiary.asp?MusicianID=2
did you speak to him afterwards? or was he too tired? I wonder if he plans to record it... it would be a shame not to...
Tom
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 20, 2006, 09:01:40 PM
did you speak to him afterwards? or was he too tired? I wonder if he plans to record it... it would be a shame not to...
i did speak to him afterwards. we just discussed the piece itself. we didnt discuss the recording of it. i expect that it will be recorded, but i dont know if hamelin will record it.

alistair, do you know anything about this?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: viking on November 21, 2006, 02:40:07 AM
please tell me you bootlegged it.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 21, 2006, 03:08:46 AM
please tell me you bootlegged it.
i did, actually.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on November 24, 2006, 06:06:15 AM
here is his itinerary:

https://www.giamanagement.com/concertdiary.asp?MusicianID=2

Thanks jre, unfortunately he is not coming to a location near me... maybe next year, I'll keep this link.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 24, 2006, 07:03:32 AM
he actually NEVER comes to los angeles, so whenever hes like in san francisco or some other "close" city, i just hit the road, regardless if i have appointments or whatever, for its a rare occasion. its a shame. he told me that they never invite him to play here in LA. what a shame. we're stuck with hacks like lang lang, et al.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 24, 2006, 06:41:49 PM
i think choice of pianists is fairly relative.  they don't all play everything equally well.  for instance, i heard hamelin play in reading, pa (busoni piano concerto) on a bosendorfer, no less, and i thought the music was terrible.  i couldn't hear the bass of the piano  - and wondered why such a highly gifted artist would not care what the back row heard.  i think he has to refine his awareness of what the audience hears in the back of the hall.  it was basically a cacophany sometimes and only when he got into the treble could you hear the sound above the orchestra very well. 

but, his playing is good and if i heard him play something else (as i happen to dislike the busoni for sounding like plagarism of about 10 composers) - and on a different piano -  i might be really pleased and want to hear him again and again. 

i think hamelin's genius lies in his ability to quickly learn material - but in terms of musicality of everything - it's a matter of taste.  to me, if he is to improve his already genius status playing the piano - he would need to effectively measure in his head not only what he wants from the piano - but what he wants from the orchestra - and take more charge.  i'd like to see the musical head of hamelin.  i think he's onto something - and should have more control over his 'environment.'  perhaps many musicians have a 'time' factor - where it is impossible to be good at 20 things at the same time - but at least for him to tell the stage crew - make the piano stay in tune until the end of the busoni.  it was so out of tune at the end.  the orchestral instruments couldn't compensate.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 24, 2006, 07:04:41 PM
you cant let a bad experience such as this influence your view on him. the piano was probably at fault, not him. ive heard him play the busoni concerto live before and he did a much better job than in his commercially released recording. the bass was solidly controlled and it didnt sound like a cacophony. also, when i saw him on saturday, i was sitting toward the back of the hall, yet i could hear almost every note that he played. his tone was very crisp and not cacophonous at all. and hamelin's genius may be in quickly learning material, but that is not where it stops. he does know how to take charge with an orchestra, as i have seen when i have attended his concerto performances. i was able to hear everything just fine. in terms of his musicality and expression, he, contrary to some opinions, does show feeling and passion when he plays, both in his actions and in the music. he is no lang lang (THANK GOD) but he does show expression in his body language where needed, but in a conservative fashion, which is how it should be, in my opinion. if you want further proof of this, listen to him play standard repertoire. as was mentioned in another thread, this is the best way to compare him to the other "greats".

EDIT: i think we should draw the line here. any further argument would be pointless, for as was said, this question at hand is VERY subjective. everyone will have a different opinion.

<rant over>
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 24, 2006, 07:20:28 PM
can he play brahms op 118 better than idil biret.  probably not.  everybody has their 'pieces.'  he's a contemporary music genius.  but, romance?

and, yet - i highly respect the guy.  i'm not saying i wouldn't go to his concerts - but i'd pick the program to best suit him.  obvously not tchaikovsky's first.

ok.  noone may agree because i have ulterior motives on this one.  but, i like barry douglas the best because #1 he's irish  #2  he's hot  #3 he plays passionately  #4 he also composes #5 he conducts  #6 he has always a sense of destination - you hear 'the whole.'

i think hamelin did this amazingly well in the busoni - too - but, busoni was the one at fault for not ending the concerto sooner.  also, if i were to hear hamelin play something else - perhaps my perceptions would be changed.

my teacher, carl cranmer,  is a tie with barry.  i don't think a person needs to have 'worldwide concert artist' status - to be excellent.  sometimes lesser known artists have as much or more effort - and have time to put in more effort - than known artists.  also, i like his choice of repertoire - which is usually always 'romantic.'  and, he has a lingering touch to his playing.  like the music turns to some kind of liquid.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 24, 2006, 07:30:38 PM
can he play brahms op 118 better than idil biret.  probably not.  everybody has their 'pieces.'  he's a contemporary music genius.  but, romance.  he's a dead fish.  use that to chop down the sequoia.
i actually dont think he has played the brahms op 118, but he sure beats anyone else at the op 117 and op 119 pieces. his interpretations of these pieces are some of the most passionate  ive ever heard from him, and man, were they crisp. btw, check the biret thread for my stance on her. and also, he isnt a contemporary music genius. he actually doesnt play a whole lot of it. he says that he is best suited to composers from the early 20th and late 19th centuries. so, i dont believe he is a dead fish. sure, some of his liszt may be lacking. but man, does he excel at alkan, chopin (what i have heard), liszt transcriptions, and late beethoven sonatas. if he was a "dead fish" at romantic music, he wouldnt be as popular as he is today for his interpretations of that era and he wouldnt be so highly acclaimed for these public performances.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 24, 2006, 07:32:22 PM
people are amazed he can get through technical pieces with ease.  it doesn't mean he 'feels' it.  i'm sure he 'feels' it according to his interpretations - but i don't think he's on par with actually having some kind of momentous point in his life that he draws from.  he is quite on the conservative side.

which, i am not, blasting really.  i tend to play this way myself without trying really hard to come out of my shell.  and, i am i no way comparing myself with him - but just in terms of 'impression' of how much he is able to come out of his own 'shell.'

do you realize that most genius are in some way mentally challenged.  i think life experiences give one a better and better ability to draw upon 'feelings.'  after all - you have to have a few of your own.  and, i think when he is older - he will play more passionately.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 24, 2006, 07:35:47 PM
there is no point in arguing this any longer, as has been noted. people will see what they want to see and note what they want to note. and who said i was speaking about technical pieces?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 24, 2006, 07:37:48 PM
i'll give you the benefit of the doubt and go listen to hamelin's chopin.  if it makes me hot - i'll give you thumbs up.  i am going to barnes and noble to buy it right now.  my husband, whom i thought i was going bicycling with, is fast asleep. 
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on November 24, 2006, 09:22:26 PM
, but he sure beats anyone else at the op 117

Hm, I am a huge Hamelin fan, and I love Brahms opus. 117 and I do NOT think the plays them, particulary no2 good at all compared too what I had expected of him. His Brahms 2 is superb though.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on November 24, 2006, 09:23:39 PM
i heard hamelin play in reading, pa (busoni piano concerto) on a bosendorfer, no less, and i thought the music was terrible...i happen to dislike the busoni for sounding like plagarism of about 10 composers
Shame be upon thee!

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: ahinton on November 24, 2006, 09:27:43 PM
i'll give you the benefit of the doubt and go listen to hamelin's chopin.  if it makes me hot - i'll give you thumbs up.
Never mind Hamelin; you should hear ME playing Chopin! That will make you hot! With embarrassment! Or at least it would if I played you any!...

my husband, whom i thought i was going bicycling with, is fast asleep. 
Sounds like you've been preaching at him, too, then. Ah, well - you'll just have to satisfy your craving for pedal exercise by doing some piano practice; that will have the dual virtue of (hopefully) improving your playing and at the same time keeping you out of the pulpit for abit...

Best,

Alistair
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: mephisto on November 24, 2006, 09:35:12 PM
Try to stay un topic, unless you want that old psycopat to talk more about God.

And for the record Busoni's piano concerto is awesome. Never boring because  the mowements are so contrasting. When the choir joins in the 5th mwt it feels like I am in some kind of trance. The only piece I can think of that does this better is Scriabin's Prometheus.

Maybe pianistimo doesn't like the piece because of the text sung in the 5th mwt?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on November 24, 2006, 10:18:10 PM
Maybe pianistimo doesn't like the piece because of the text sung in the 5th mwt?
hahaha. that might just be the reason why. i find it impossible to dislike such a masterpiece, unless youre a fundamentalist *AHEM*.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: pianistimo on November 25, 2006, 02:02:58 PM
it's a sad imitation of beethoven's ninth - because choir or no choir - you've just heard liszt, chopin, saint-saens - whoever else.  you can actually HEAR each composer go by in busoni.  he was such a plagarist.  (my opinion)  also, i think that this piece dares you to guess - is this a symphony, piano concerto, choir piece?  the symphony goes on quite a long time before the piano comes in, if i remember right.  it seems like a patchwork quilt to me and i don't hear continuity.  but, that's also just my opinion.

btw, i haven't gotten the hamelin chopin - but i was going to tease you and say i was making love all night.  honestly, i don't think i'd feel that way hearing hamelin's chopin - but each to his/her own, right?  instead of buying hamelin's chopin - suggest to me his BEST works.  i'll buy them - because i think i would like them.

sorry alistair.  i just don't like busoni.  excepting his wonderful transcriptions (of other composers works).  to me, he was a wonderful wonderful transcriptionist.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: imbetter on December 18, 2006, 11:58:49 PM
When I found out Murray Periah couldn't play the piano any more I started crying :'(
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on December 19, 2006, 07:58:31 AM
When I found out Murray Periah couldn't play the piano any more I started crying :'(

Why can't he? I knew he had broken a finger or something but I thought he had healed and was playing again. What's the deal....

As you requested I've added Pletnev and Biret to the poll but I won't add Feltsman unless someone elses requests him.
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: imbetter on December 21, 2006, 12:19:14 AM
can he play brahms op 118 better than idil biret.  probably not.  everybody has their 'pieces.'  he's a contemporary music genius.  but, romance?

and, yet - i highly respect the guy.  i'm not saying i wouldn't go to his concerts - but i'd pick the program to best suit him.  obvously not tchaikovsky's first.

ok.  noone may agree because i have ulterior motives on this one.  but, i like barry douglas the best because #1 he's irish  #2  he's hot  #3 he plays passionately  #4 he also composes #5 he conducts  #6 he has always a sense of destination - you hear 'the whole.'

i think hamelin did this amazingly well in the busoni - too - but, busoni was the one at fault for not ending the concerto sooner.  also, if i were to hear hamelin play something else - perhaps my perceptions would be changed.

my teacher, carl cranmer,  is a tie with barry.  i don't think a person needs to have 'worldwide concert artist' status - to be excellent.  sometimes lesser known artists have as much or more effort - and have time to put in more effort - than known artists.  also, i like his choice of repertoire - which is usually always 'romantic.'  and, he has a lingering touch to his playing.  like the music turns to some kind of liquid.



A little obbsessed with brahms? especially op.118?




Quote
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arensky on December 21, 2006, 08:26:11 PM


A little obbsessed with brahms? especially op.118?






I'm obsessed with it too, extraordinary music!

Now what happened to Perhaia? Why can't he play anymore?
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: jre58591 on December 22, 2006, 12:42:49 AM
hamelin is a great singer also:

Click Here (https://media.putfile.com/Satie---Chez-Le-Docteur)
Title: Re: The greatest living pianist.
Post by: arbisley on December 22, 2006, 08:46:24 AM
I'm not so sure about "great"....