Female pianists vs. male pianists.

[Laurationg]

Which female/male pianists do you enjoy listening to the most?

My favourite female pianist is Martha Argerich, and as for male pianist(s) - Richter and Pollini.

If you're not told, can you usually identify whether a recording is made by a female or male artists?

What makes a female's playing distinguished from a male's, and vice versa?

[erik-]

I think that some pieces are better interpreted by women. For example Schumann's piano concerto, or Chopin's second piano concerto. I don't really know why, maybe those pieces require a more subtile sensitivity that men don't have.

On the other hand, male pianists are supposingly more powerful. I think it was Schumann who said there are pieces that women will never be able to play well because they don't have enough muscle strength etc. ... Of course he was wrong. For example, there is nothing Martha Argerich can't play ... but well I am a big fan so

[thracozaag]

I think that some pieces are better interpreted by women. For example Schumann's piano concerto, or Chopin's second piano concerto. I don't really know why, maybe those pieces require a more subtile sensitivity that men don't have.

 good lord.  I think Michelangeli, Cortot, Lipatti, Hoffmann and Moiseiwitsch would have something to say about such a statement concerning those pieces.

[eddie92099]

Yes I'm sure they would! The obvious answer would be that in general women are less powerful than men which is of course true - there are the odd exceptions though. In my opinion the greatest pianist ever is a woman, but there is not another in the top ten,
Ed

[erik-]

Are you talking about Martha Argerich ?
I think Clara Haskil deserves to be in the top 10 as well

[eddie92099]

Are you talking about Martha Argerich ?

Who else would it be?  

I think Clara Haskil deserves to be in the top 10 as well

I have only heard one recording of hers though I did like it very much (Beethoven 3),
Ed

[allchopin]

I have often wondered this as well, but really, there is no difference.  A woman can press a key exactly like a man can, and they sound exactly the same.  There is really no way to be able to tell from a recording, unless you know pianist's style and can deduce who it is specifically.  But chances are, you will be listening to a male artist, as there are generally more male pianists than female.

[trunks]

My favourite of all pianists, without a shadow of doubt, living or dead - Artur Rubinstein! To me, he will always remain the God of the Piano.

Josef Lhevinne was a remarkable one too, as was Moritz Rosenthal - listen to their Ampico-roll reproductions, and wow! Also listen to Ferrucio Busoni on DuoArt-roll reproductions. Nothing short of fantastic.

My favourite living male pianist - Alfred Brendel. Then of course there are Jorg Demus, Tamas Vasary and Fou Tsong (the veteran Chinese pianist).

My favourite living female pianists - they have to be Cecile Ousset and Alicia de Larrocha. Sorry Argerich fans, but I think Martha is no match for these true artists.