Classical pianists that have a natural talent for improvisation

[sevencircles]

Sometimes it seems like some classical pianists are performing the old war horses over and over again even though they would prefer to compose what they play or improvise.

Martha Argerich seems to be a bit like a restless artistic spirit that would become an excellent improviser if she wanted to.

Do you also feel that some classical pianists are in the wrong bollpark so to speak?

[presto agitato]

Keith Jarrett is considered the best piano improviser of the XX century. He is also a marvelous classical pianist.

[drexo]

Just to give this topic a bit more flavour:

[quantum]

Wasn't it Argerich that persuaded Gabriela Montero to publicly share her improvisation abilities. 

[sevencircles]

Keith Jarrett is considered the best piano improviser of the XX century. He is also a marvelous classical pianist.

There are propably many people on this forum that are better classical pianists then Keth Jarrett these days. He is 100 times better as a Jazz pianist.

I am very impressed by Richard Grayson improvisations on youtube. How many pianists can improvise doublefugues based on themes mentioned by an audience member?

I think he is the best improviser I have ever heard.

Art Tatum  (when he was sober) is almost alone in his greatness even if you compare him to todays pianist.

He was sadly drunk during most of his recordings.

[mussorgsky]

Marc Andre Hamelin and... me!