Piano Professor Breaks Down 16 Legendary Pianists’ Techniques

Understanding the Techniques of Great Pianists

Introduction to Influential Pianists

• Norman Krieger introduces himself as the chair of the piano department at Indiana University and expresses admiration for legendary pianists, describing them as transcendent figures in music.

Rubinstein's Approach

• Krieger discusses Arthur Rubinstein's natural and healthy technique, emphasizing his erect posture and respectful engagement with the piano.

• He notes Rubinstein's evenly played technique, which was based on natural physiology, allowing him to avoid tension while playing.

• The pianist utilized his arms and shoulders effectively, showcasing a miraculous ability to engage physically with the instrument.

Horowitz's Unique Style

• Krieger highlights Vladimir Horowitz’s unconventional genius that defies traditional teaching methods; he uniquely used the concert hall as part of his musical expression.

• He mentions Rachmaninoff’s high regard for Hoffman, who had a small hand yet produced large sound concepts through effective use of his torso.

Gilels' Physicality in Playing

• Emile Gilels is noted for his physical approach to playing, using his entire body to convey emotion in music despite occasional missed notes being acceptable for passion.

The Queen of Piano: A Tribute

• Krieger reflects on a female pianist known for her minimal movement but significant span; she maintained her fingers’ flexibility even during breaks from playing.

• He recounts meeting this pianist and describes her direct personality and warm playing style that made every note feel precious.

Effortlessness in Performance

• The discussion shifts to another pianist whose effortless style seems almost playful; he possesses an exceptional ear that allows him to play without muscle tension hindering expression.

Tatum's Influence on Horowitz

• A story is shared about how both Horowitz and Rachmaninoff were impressed by Art Tatum’s extraordinary talent when they heard him perform live.

Insights on Musical Technique and Performance

The Influence of Great Teachers

• The speaker reflects on a genius musician with an exceptional ear, emphasizing that such talent goes beyond what can be taught.

• At age 11 or 12, the speaker met a significant figure in music, unaware of her importance. They performed a recital piece, struggling with it at the time.

• A teacher from Argentina introduced the concept of "praying mantis" practice techniques to help improve playing.

Observations on Technique and Physicality

• The speaker describes being inspired by another musician's hands, noting their beauty and development which contributed to their playing style.

• Discusses how large hands can be advantageous yet also present challenges in piano performance.

• Reflecting on a pianist's sound quality, the speaker notes that it was always powerful and rich, likening it to "steel wrapped in velvet."

Emotional Depth in Performance

• The emotional depth of a performer's sound is highlighted; they were described as generous and soulful both in life and music.

• Mentions how certain pianists trained under renowned instructors who emphasized using one's body effectively while playing.

Engagement with Acoustics

• It’s noted that some performances may not translate well onto recordings due to the unique acoustic experience within concert halls.

• A performer is praised for their awareness of body mechanics while playing, particularly how they utilize wrist movement for better sound production.

Mastery Over Sound Production

• Emphasizes traditional Russian piano techniques focusing on color, finesse, and pedaling as essential elements of performance mastery.

• Highlights the importance of energy conservation during play; great artists avoid unnecessary movements for optimal sound delivery.

Authenticity in Musical Expression

• Discusses how effective hand usage contributes significantly to musical expression without wasting energy or distorting sound quality.

• Reflecting on a performer's relaxed demeanor while still communicating compellingly through music meant for intimate settings rather than grand concert halls.

The Role of Listening in Music