Sabre Dance (Cziffra) vs. Tiger Rag (Tatum)

[cuberdrift]

Every morning, if I want to pump myself up, I would play some virtuosic and dazzlingly fast recording by an amazing pianist...more often than not, this pianist would be either of my two favorite virtuosos: Gyorgy Cziffra for classical, and Art Tatum for jazz music.

I have long since pondered about two stunning renditions on famous tunes by the two artists, and which of them might be more difficult to play. In my opinion, they contain similar techniques and are actually both executed at a similar tempo  (over 180 beats per minute !).

The Sabre Dance:

The Tiger Rag:

In my opinion, "Sabre Dance" requires more a rawer, harder touch, while "Tiger Rag" may be trickier to handle accurately, especially its extremely quick runs and arpeggios and stricter time (plus the syncopation). I am still not sure which is generally harder to play.

What do you think?  

Note: This thread is for fun and not for declaring which artist is greater.

[j_menz]

'd like to remind you that Cziffra was also a fine jazz pianist.

[cuberdrift]

'd like to remind you that Cziffra was also a fine jazz pianist.

I'm quite aware of that. It's said he actually played with big bands. However, of the few improv recordings of his I know (Youtube) none actually swing.  If you know some, please share...

[j_menz]

I only know of this one:

Parts 2 and 3 appear strangely missing.

[cuberdrift]

I only know of this one:

Parts 2 and 3 appear strangely missing.

I see, right. WHERE IS part 2 and 3?

In any case it's disappointing to hear the master with his takes on jazz tunes. There is another video of him playing Tea for Two, with the same wacky sound and random arpeggios.

However, the second theme on that video sounds quite better. I believe that is some sort of Hungarian theme? Perhaps he understood his own native music more. He sorts kinda drunk recording American jazz music, which I believe is possibly just a sample of what he can really do.