Who is the best pianist ever?

[starstruck5]

I find this question interesting if a bit impossible to answer!  Obviously we have to restrict ourselves to the modern recording era to form judgements.

I also believe and would argue strongly that the greatest ever, would have to be able to dazzle us in the big virtuoso pieces, move us in Romantic lyrical music -have the touch of an angel -and be able to be articulate in Baroque and Classical music also. 

Personally I can't decide between Agerich, Pollini, Horowitz or Rubinstein and Krystian Zimerman.   No one plays the Chopin Ballades better than him anyhow! His Mozart is also sheer magic.
 
How do you you choose between them?  Ultimately if I could only have the recordings of one pianist, I would select Zimerman.  Does this mean he is the greatest of all time - hmmmm.

[pianoplayjl]

Wow, it's one of these threads again. I have to decide between Horowtiz and RIchter, the two great pianists of the modern era. Personally I prefer Richter to Horowitz because he has a wider repertoire from Bach to Gershwin. Horowitz IMO mainly specialises in the Romantic era. The runners up will definitely be Horowitz, Argerich, Cziffra. Technically I think Richter is greater of the two while Horowitz is greater musically. I don't know what makes me say that but that's just it. 

As a side note while learning Bach WTC preludes and fugues I look to Richter's recording for a reference.

JL

[ajspiano]

I think this is such a terrible question because it is so subjective..

If the question was "who has had the most significant impact on you?" then its oscar peterson. That guy is a badass.

classical pianists are amazing, the technical display is very impressive, and I love playing classical music. But when I see a good jazz pianist, that is when i get that feeling of "OH MY GOD, i must learn to do that"

[minor9th]

I am. Next question?

[49410enrique]

hmm what about Tom?

jk i don't know just love this and was looking for an excuse to throw up. sorry for the thread hi jack.

on a serious note, i know i tend to really enjoy andre watts lately and i will probably drive to go see him live this thursday when he's stops nearby, don't quite vote for best ever, but he's up there in my book

[pbryld]

Stephen Hough.

[starstruck5]

I am. Next question?

Who are you?  Proof would be nice -  Video please!  

Also. Hi Stephen Hough - only kidding - Stephen is a fine pianist for sure.

[sevencircles]

If we are talking pure talent I would say that Tatum, Hofmann and Ogdon are propably the
most talented I am awhare of.

2 of them had serious alcohol problems (Tatum and Hofmann) and Ogdon had serious mental problems.

I doubt that any of todays pianists can match them when it comes to quicklearning. 

[sonicbass]

Lang Lang!

[visitor]

Lang Lang!

[ignaceii]

Lang Lang!

You need psychiatric help as fast as possible. There is definitely something very wrong in your head.