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The Insparation for this thread comes from something that was said to me. "If you are going to study pianists study Rubenstein and Horowitz they are very different but the same"

Well that wasn't quite verbatim but close enough. Anyhow my question to everyone is this: If you were going to pick one two or more pianists to study, who would you pick and why?

If by study you mean listen, watch, and mimic the technique of pianists, then I would pick several.

I would pick Lang Lang to study because he is just such an enigma. His basic technique goes against most of which I've been taught to do (just looked at his octaves in Tchaikovsky's piano concerto which he has his wrists so very high). Studying his way of performing might also be good because he seems very VERY comfortable with playing in public.

I'd also like to study Ax. He has avoided the "spot-light" associated with a modern classical pianist. This guy has class, and a solid technique. His clarity is amazing.

Argerich is another pianist I'd like to learn more about. Her amazing technique and lively performances are phenominal.

Matt

Listen and watch yes, but mimic the technique of pianists by looking at their playing? I don't think that assists in furthering technique, since one pianist's hands will be different from the next and there's no guarantee that the solution to a particular piece will work for you. For example, Horowitz's 'flat fingers' technique is quite unusual and you won't see many people advocating it, though there's no denying his formidable talents.

I'm afraid I completely disagree when it comes to Lang Lang. I have yet to enjoy one of his performances or recordings (he played here recently and all I heard was a lot of banging accompanied by great flourishes of the arms; his Carnegie Hall CD was terrible). I find the gesticulating totally off-putting and a substitute for artistry.

I wasn't mentioning his playing at all, I've learned that I will start a war over that. I was just mentioning how comfortable he is when he perform... just like many other pianists. Sorry for the mix up.

wasn't wishing to start a war it's a contentious topic......

Indeed it is!