“Who are pianists that you think more people should know about?”
“Who are pianists that you think more people should know about?”
Optional: Post a video of their playing so that we can hear!
161 replies
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The Brazilian Nelson Freire.
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(1) Alexander Slobodyanik. Ukranian pianist, 1941-2008. Hailed as the most jawdropping phenom since Ashkenazy when he debuted at Carnegie Hall in 1968. Powerhouse romantics interpreter, no limits whatsoever. I have his Liszt B minor Sonata and Chopin Etudes on vinyl circa 1973/74. Amazing. He remained USSR-based into the late '70s and the dissolution of cultural ties with the west following the 1980 invasion of Afghanistan kept him out of the US (where he ultimately settled) until 1988, which had a derailing effect on what might have been a towering career.
(2) Jan Lisiecki, Might not fulfill the criterion that "more people should know about" because he's gained traction...but more people should know about the fully mature artist he's become (at 28). He shares in common with Kissin his recognition as a prodigy (signed by DGG at 15!) I saw his March 2024 performance at Carnegie...may be necessary to bring in contractors to repair the roof, because he blew it off.
As a demonstration of the fact that God does not distribute gifts evenly - both of these dudes were/are movie star handsome on top of everything else.
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There are many interesting out of print recordings in thePianoFiles.com. I was surprised to find these rare recordings of Marian Filar who's Chopin playing is of the best I've ever heard.
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I would like to add Vitaly Serebriakov to this list.https://youtu.be/0OrrcdZ7cw8?si=ath1QkvUuDyOGJYV
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Aleksandra Mikulska
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Brian Ganz - he finishes his 15 year Extreme Chopin Quest with the National Philharmonic in DC this year. He has played every one of Chopin’s works in concert! His playing is technically astounding, but the beauty, warmth and passion that he brings to the ouvre is breathtaking.
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I would like to hear more from Kate Liu. I know she had some recordings out recently but I’d love to hear some more Chopin from her .
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Also Ingrid Haebler, who is an excellent interpreter of Mozart and Schubert.
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Since this thread has been active lately, and I’ve just met a wonderful young pianist (who is working with my son this month), I’d like to recommend Filippo Gorini who is currently in the middle of his “Sonata for 7 Cities” tour. Not only is he a wonderful musician, but he is also affable, humble, and very dedicated to bringing classical music to those who don’t normally have access to it. And he likes chocolate… 😄
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I'm often surprised at how many pianists I meet who do not know of French pianist, Samson François. I return to so many of his beautiful recordings like his performance of Ravel's Pavane. He died far too young. Also, I befriended a beautifully talented South African pianist, Ammiel Bushakavitz who deserves attention: