If you could master the technique of any pianist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Mariela and of an awesome, but much abused piece for which a very fierce competition from countless greater and lesser virtuosos has developed over the decades - Ravel's "Gaspard de la Nuit" - Pogorelich's recording is still my favorite. Just magical, in my opinion. 

https://youtu.be/hKgcHjq1xKQ

Vickie horowitz  Daniil Trifonov, indeed! A consummate artist, and in so much more than in his astounding technique. 

geraldw thank you for sharing the video. I'm huge Sokolov fan and it's so nice to see his precise movement up close. He makes it looks simple and yet the nuances of musical details are so great.  I would attend all his concert if I could!! 

Michelle R Great choice! 

   Michelle R I don't know what to say to your kind words which I sincerely thank you, Michelle. But honestly, I am a simple amateur who loves deeply to play the piano and no need to say that there is no place for my name in this forum.

Juan Carlos Olite it is just because you are a simple amateur* who loves deeply to play the piano that I would like to be able to master your "technique." Your technique seems to be bound to that love which is expressed each time I hear you play. This is all I could ever hope or want to achieve in my piano playing. Yes, many of the "professionals" who are listed here have amazing skill and virtuosity, but I don't always feel their love of the piano and the music. With your playing, it is always there.

We were able to spend a "musical evening" with a family last night - there was singing, guitar and piano playing (along with discussions of Plato, Aristotle, etc...) - this was all infused with love of each other and of the beauty and joy of music. What could be better than that? Perhaps my goals in life are too simple, but it seems to me that if I can somehow achieve the ability to express love through music, then I have achieved something that is to be cherished and held close. 

*(amateur, from the French: one who loves)

Michelle R 🙂

Juan Carlos Olite 😊

Michelle R Thank you so much Michelle for your words that mean a lot to me and I appreciate them with all my heart.  You are absolutely right, there is nothing better than a musical (and philosophical) evening with family and friends, all infuse with love of each other and of the beauty of joy of music.

         You have mentioned Plato, so let me tell you a beautiful and inspiring story, maybe you know it. It is quoted in Plato's Phaedo, which describes the last day of Socrates "the wisest and best of men". While the cup of hemlock was being prepared to carry out the death sentence, Socrates was learning to play a melody on the flute. And one of his young disciples, who didn't understand this scene, asked him: Why are you doing that? What will be the use of that?  And Socrates answered: To know this tune before dying.  2400 years later, Emil Cioran, another philosopher, who by the way was a passionate music lover, wrote that he reverences Socrates answer: because it seems to me the sole serious justification of any desire to know, whether exercises on the brink of death or at any other moment of existence. 

       Learning something without other purpose that the beauty and pleasure of the learning process itself, in the case of music that is easy to understand. So, Michelle, let's go together on this beautiful journey of piano playing as authentic amateurs. 

Juan Carlos Olite Thank you, Juan Carlos. I had forgotten the story of Plato about Socrates and the flute. Thanks for reminding me. And yes, I hope to continue this journey with the goal of remaining an authentic amateur! Take care.

Juan Carlos Olite Yes, the joy of living in the present and being fully alive to what it offers.

Michelle R I totally second your choice and sentiments!