Nikolai Kapustin is a *** good pianist

[jakev2.0]

The Russian composer who writes in the Jazz idiom happens to be a mind-blowing pianist himself. I have decided based on a recent-relistening of his concert etudes that he possesses the clarity, articulation, tone, and virtuosity typical of a great composer pianist.

Hamelin plays Kapustin's music acceptably. Osborne and Petrov are alright too.

But Kapustin is out of this world.

[jre58591]

man, finally something that i wholeheartedly agree with that you have posted. everything that i have heard by kapustin is so technically perfect: from the preludes and fugues to the chamber music. even the more passionate music that he has composed, like the elegy for cello and piano, is played with such intricacy and attention to detail. but shouldnt he? he is the composer. man, id love to hear him play some works that arent written by him, but it probably wont happen, for he severely injured his right hand a few years ago.

[jakev2.0]

It's a great shame too. His absolute control over everything he does on the piano --even in old age -- reminds me of how Rachmaninov played at his age. 

[jre58591]

for those that havent heard him play, check this out:

it isnt my favorite piece by kapustin, but its a nice example of what he can do.

[mephisto]

Yes in indeed he is a superb pianist, with a great rythm. His music should also be more familliar to people.

[jre58591]

Yes in indeed he is a superb pianist, with a great rythm. His music should also be more familliar to people.

indeed, this is true. his compositions, however, sould be more highly publicized, so that his pianistic abilities can be realized. even though hamelin's recordings are "acceptable", along with some others, they help to shed new light on his music. it worked on me, why not for others?

[Mozartian]

for those that havent heard him play, check this out:

it isnt my favorite piece by kapustin, but its a nice example of what he can do.

OMG it sounds like SUPER MARIO MUSIC!!!!!!!!

*dodges blows*

omg but it does! I LOVE IT!

[jre58591]

haha indeed it does. the 2nd impromptu, op 66, does havbe that one theme in it that resembles a super mario theme, but a bit jazzy-ish. if only these impromptus were published. id really like to see/play them.

[jakev2.0]

Are there any more vids of Kapustin playing his own stuff?

I also wonder whether he performed any of his stuff live.

[jre58591]

Are there any more vids of Kapustin playing his own stuff?

I also wonder whether he performed any of his stuff live.

i doubt there are any more vids. the one on youtube was taken from his website, which is www.nikolaikapustin.net . i also dont think he has released any commercially. who knows, maybe some hardcore collector out there has a few.