How do you rate a pianist?

[casparma]

This is what I wonder....

since different pianists have  different interepretions of one's works, how can one judge a pianist's skill?

I mean, for example, My teacher can as well play all the works, say, Albert Brendel has played....or Arrau Caudio, or Horowitz, etc...    but what incentive makes the latters famous?


any help?

thanks

[zheer]

The X factor.

[Kassaa]

Indeed, it's just that something that makes someone to stand out and unique.

Alfred Brendel/Claudio Arrau, please do their names right.

[rc]

Once a pianist is at that level where technique isn't really an issue and they can play nearly anything well, it becomes subjective. Whether I like them or not.

From there, it's important to become objective. Why do I like/dislike this pianist? (or more likely, this particular recording or piece by the pianist). Then you discover your own tastes, and your opinion becomes more useful.

There are other factors beyond the pianist as well. How it's been recorded or the piano being played... I'm speaking of recordings BTW, I don't have much experience with live performances.

Beyond that level where a musician can play well, being famous probably doesn't have much to do with the actual music.

[zheer]

Beyond that level where a musician can play well, being famous probably doesn't have much to do with the actual music.

Its intresting that you say that because i think i would listen to Alfred Brendle simply because i like the person that he is, and the music .

[rc]

Its intresting that you say that because i think i would listen to Alfred Brendle simply because i like the person that he is, and the music .

His LVB sonatas were the first classical recordings I listened to, that got me into classical music. I've heard he has some interesting essays, I'd like to find those. I have a hard time biographies/info on pianists beyond quick internet bio's... Probably gonna have to stash away some money and order it off the net.

[casparma]

but, why people just especially like them and rate them as among the greatest pianists of 20th century?       I mean, if it's all about taste, then aren't we being too subjective?