Of note: this isn't better than Bach, Mozart or Beethoven, but, interestingly, the piano in its current form didn't actually exist when they were around, so... What they were writing, while intended for instruments that would later evolve into the piano, weren't actually piano pieces as such...
So it's really only when we get to Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky, etc, that they begin specifically composing for the piano. Which is perhaps partly why the pieces became ever more complex from that time on.
So that's an interesting footnote, if nothing else.
Of note: this isn't better than Bach, Mozart or Beethoven, but, interestingly, the piano in its current form didn't actually exist when they were around, so... What they were writing, while intended for instruments that would later evolve into the piano, weren't actually piano pieces as such...
So it's really only when we get to Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky, etc, that they begin specifically composing for the piano. Which is perhaps partly why the pieces became ever more complex from that time on.
So that's an interesting footnote, if nothing else.
You have to see this, Yevgeny Kissin with Seiji Ozawa play Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1.
Kissin as a very young virtuoso pianist with Ozawa mastering the orchestra in tandem perfection. Kissin is a whirlwind of piano magic,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wPz61C1bMo
Awesome! Thanks so much for this! Love it.
Greatly appreciated! :-)
I wonder when that was recorded..? It doesn't actually say anywhere on the video, unfortunately!
I think 2006-8, Kissin is now middle age and plumper, Ozawa much older and in poor health.
Kissin rarely visits America and since the covid, international music has taken a deep dive.
A man of culture.