Yep, Argerich is fantastic.
Saw Pollini at Concertgebouw in April '95 after running Rotterdam the same day. Maybe it was my fatigue, but he did a phenomenal version of Chopin's Sonata No. 2
Liked Ashkenazy when I saw him a few years later, technically excellent, but one can see he does think well of himself.
Ah, yes, Pollini! He is indeed a spectacular player. I guess I just think he tends to be hit or miss for me; I either love his performances or am lukewarm on them! This is one of my favorite performances ever (of one of Chopin's most under appreciated nocturnes...):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cxkLZoEFEk
To Mrs. M, and others, this is not expressly a Chopin thread by any means; indeed, one of the reasons I so highly regard Kissin is for his spectacular other performances (especially this one of "La Campanella":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpnM1ahqzdw
. I actually think Kissin is more a master of Liszt than Chopin - he's so clean!) That being said, I am a huge Chopin fan, which is clearly reflected in my choices...
Big John wrote:
Floyd Cramer
Horst Jankowski
Hargus Robbins
Well done. "Pig" Robbins is a studio legend.
1. Glenn Gould
2. Glenn Gould
3. Glenn Gould
If you've ever heard him at his best, on certain material, he is untouchable. Unbelievable.
Many have their strengths, but for me, Gould hits the spot.
And, having been somewhat of a freak, he has artsy cred.
Have to add some love for Leon Fleisher. Maybe he isn't the best of the best but I got to see him live and it was moving.
I play a mean chop sticks
Yeah I kinda broke the rules by going with the studio guys, but I never really have been to any piano concerts aside from my six year old daughter's recital of Good King Wentzelslauss.
Wow, nobody at all has mentioned Marc-Andre Hamelin? Most of the pianists that you all have mentioned consider him if not the best one of the top ever.
Volodos is also extremely virtuosic.
And while they fall a little out of the 100 years range, Liszt and Alkan were said to have incredible technique. There are pieces by Alkan that no one today can even play.
*play well (see Le Preux - this is a digital recording http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSw-SnTivv4)
While I'm on a roll, my personal favorite is Nikolai Lugansky. His Transcendental Etudes, while not note-perfect, are very well done.
I can't believe no one has mentioned Herbie Hancock.
I also like Volodos.
On some material I don't fancy his phrasing, but he certainly is virtuosic, like you said!
But what do I know--I'm just an over-the-hill jock.
I rather like Jon Kimura Parker as well.
Alkan was sort of the 19th Century Sorabji. Unsurmountable pieces that didn't win over anyone enough to put the effort into learning their works.
I like Glenn Gould for his performance as much as his playing.
I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention my former teacher who has dedicated his life to Chopin:
One of the finest musicians I've ever personally known.
Obvious answer wrote:
I can't believe no one has mentioned Herbie Hancock.
You should have your ass beaten. Hancock sux. All that electronic crap is bullshit.
Out Your Arse wrote:
Obvious answer wrote:I can't believe no one has mentioned Herbie Hancock.
You should have your ass beaten. Hancock sux. All that electronic crap is bullshit.
Haha, a guy trying to act tough on a "favorite concert pianist" thread.
hahahahahahaha