Classical pianist who explores new approaches to making classical music more accessible to audiences
Alfred Brendel’s essays about Beethoven, Schubert, and many others are deeply relevant to performers and amateur listeners alike - a rare accomplishment for anyone writing about classical music. He has written extensively throughout his life on his approach to interpretation and performance.
Read More“So far as musical pedagogy is concerned —and by extension of musical creation — Nadia Boulanger is the most influential person who ever lived”. (Ned Rorem) She influenced an amazing and diverse group of artists during her long life.
Read MoreAll the evidence indicates that Chopin’s teaching was not oriented towards the concert platform. Questioned once on the subject of Chopin’s pedagogical posterity, Liszt replied, Çhopin was unfortunate with his pupils’. This remark is confirmed in many cases.
Read MoreIn the art of Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948) one hears the culmination of high-Romanticism. His genius and encounters with Polish folk culture enabled him to perform Chopin's Mazurkas in a rhythmic manner resembling the accounts given of Chopin's own playing.
Read MoreMaurizio Pollini speaks about the “great lesson” he received from Arthur Rubinstein in 1960. “He gave me a piece of advice the best I have had in all those years…. He said it was the very basis of his technique… The more I think of it, years later, the more I find it precious”.
Read MoreFor accuracy, constant care is required. I always practice distinctly, never indistinctly. Then, if I do play falsely, I hear the incorrect note at once. But absolutely distinct practice is an essential for accuracy.
Read MoreMy teacher [Felix Blumenfeld], who had been a pupil of Rubinstein, had of course learned most valuable ideas from him... Our talk was of music, not of technique. I had to find out my technique for myself.
Read Moreclassical pianist in non-classical age
