The piano was invented more than 300 years ago and in that time a large number of pianists have come to the forefront of music. It is not easy to measure the influence they have had on music throughout the world. Blues, rock, jazz and classical pianists have risen to prominence exciting audiences and leaving lasting legacies.
It is perhaps pianists from the world of classical music that come to the forefront when considering those that are most celebrated. Mastering their instrument at a very early age enabled them to hone their skill much earlier in their careers. In the present day, many of these famous pianists are now more widely known as composers.
Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Mozart's music is considered as some of the most celebrated in the world but it is important to remember that they were predominantly pianists, the piano being the instrument that sparked their careers. Polish-born Frederic Chopin was another remarkably talented young performer whose romantic compositions made him famous. Much of his music is used by those learning to play piano today.
Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer who was also regarded as one of the finest pianists of his day, used the instrument predominantly in his compositional output. Known for having the largest hands of all the most famous pianists, Rachmaninoff was able to span up to 14 notes at a time which he did to full effect in compositions like Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Preludes and others. His friend Vladimir Horowitz, arguably one of the best known pianists of the 20th century, also made a name for himself with his distinct style of playing and creative expertise. The excitement he created among audiences remains legendary.
So who is considered the best piano player the world has ever seen? To many, Hungarian-born Franz Liszt takes that title. At the height of his career, it was not uncommon to see audiences bowing before him and women falling over themselves to get a glimpse. Even his peers were astounded at his ability. Audiences were shocked when he took a break from performing to concentrate on mastering his instrument, but he came back with an even better understanding and confirmed what he had once said, "that ten fingers have the power to reproduce the harmonies which are created by hundreds of performers".
It is perhaps pianists from the world of classical music that come to the forefront when considering those that are most celebrated. Mastering their instrument at a very early age enabled them to hone their skill much earlier in their careers. In the present day, many of these famous pianists are now more widely known as composers.
Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Mozart's music is considered as some of the most celebrated in the world but it is important to remember that they were predominantly pianists, the piano being the instrument that sparked their careers. Polish-born Frederic Chopin was another remarkably talented young performer whose romantic compositions made him famous. Much of his music is used by those learning to play piano today.
Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer who was also regarded as one of the finest pianists of his day, used the instrument predominantly in his compositional output. Known for having the largest hands of all the most famous pianists, Rachmaninoff was able to span up to 14 notes at a time which he did to full effect in compositions like Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Preludes and others. His friend Vladimir Horowitz, arguably one of the best known pianists of the 20th century, also made a name for himself with his distinct style of playing and creative expertise. The excitement he created among audiences remains legendary.
So who is considered the best piano player the world has ever seen? To many, Hungarian-born Franz Liszt takes that title. At the height of his career, it was not uncommon to see audiences bowing before him and women falling over themselves to get a glimpse. Even his peers were astounded at his ability. Audiences were shocked when he took a break from performing to concentrate on mastering his instrument, but he came back with an even better understanding and confirmed what he had once said, "that ten fingers have the power to reproduce the harmonies which are created by hundreds of performers".