Krystian Zimerman is a monster.

[Josquin des Prez]

I don't care how much of an arrogant twit or prima donna he is (or so i hear), this man has one of the most perfect techniques i ever heard and his interpretations are nearly always perfect. I can't believe he's already 50 years old. Somebody needs to lock in a recording studio before he loses his ability.

What's with all those virtuosos we got in this past several decades anyway? Pogorelich, Feltsman, Zimerman, Gilels, Hamelin (just to name a few), is there anything comparable when it comes to violin or other instruments?

[Maciek]

Er...?

I'm not sure I get your point.

He's one of my favorite pianists.

OK, he's probably the favorite...

Still, we've had that discussion about him being a prima donna before (and by "we" I mean "we"! ) - and nothing conclusive came of it.

I don't really understand that last question from your post.

[BachQ]

I'm not sure I get your point.

***

I don't really understand that last question from your post.

I understand perfectly.  When you're super-excited about a person (as we are about Zimerman  0:)), you tend to babble incoherently ...... Which, appropriately, is exactly what has transpired with full grace and vigor ...........

[Bonehelm]

I don't know, when people say "virtuoso", the first 3 living musicians pops up in my head are Arcadi Volodos, Lang Lang and Itzhak Perlman.

[Maciek]

Hmmm..........










0:)

[BachQ]

Hmmm..........










0:)

Agreed.

[mahlertitan]

Agreed.

now, what's wrong with Perlman?

[Gurn Blanston]

now, what's wrong with Perlman?

I thought they meant L. Lang...

[uffeviking]

the first 3 living musicians pops up in my head are Arcadi Volodos, Lang Lang and Itzhak Perlman.

Musicians? I admit I don't know Volodos, but Lang Lang and Perlman or no musicians! Good at their chosen instrument, period. Mikhail Pletnev is a Musician! Pianist. Conductor. Arranger. Composer. All in the one person of a musician.

[beclemund]

Musicians? I admit I don't know Volodos, but Lang Lang and Perlman or no musicians! Good at their chosen instrument, period. Mikhail Pletnev is a Musician! Pianist. Conductor. Arranger. Composer. All in the one person of a musician.

I think, and I'm just guessing here , by musician he meant, "one who plays a musical instrument."

Both Lang Lang and Perlman would meet this definition of musician.

[uffeviking]

Yes, I know that's what he meant but Lang Lang is a pianist and Perlman a violinist. Sorry to be nitpicking - no doubt to the dismay of Sergeant Yorck!  - but I did want to emphasise the meaning of 'musician' which I heard Pletnev explain in an interesting and informative interview. 

[Bonehelm]

Just to prevent further argument, my definition of "virtuoso" is:

One who is extremely skilled with a musical instrument.

Now they all fit that category. 

[springrite]

Just to prevent further argument, my definition of "virtuoso" is:

One who is extremely skilled with a musical instrument.

Now they all fit that category. 

I qualify!




(I won't tell you the instrument, though)

[uffeviking]

and to prevent any possible misunderstanding: My post was not intended as an argument! The Fact, just the fact, Sir! 

[Steve]

That's alright, I'm quite sure that I didn't understand your post to begin with. 

[springrite]

and to prevent any possible misunderstanding: My post was not intended as an argument! The Fact, just the fact, Sir! 

I understand your point exactly. Remember the "You are not a pianist. You are a musician" comment (about Schnabel)?

[Bonehelm]

I qualify!




(I won't tell you the instrument, though)

Erhu? Dizi?

[springrite]

Erhu? Dizi?

Nah, that's way too "musician"-like. I am talking about something(s) that any idiot from the street can do, provided the timing is OK. We do get them in some J. Strauss works.

[Steve]

now, what's wrong with Perlman?

Nothing. 

[Bonehelm]

Nah, that's way too "musician"-like. I am talking about something(s) that any idiot from the street can do, provided the timing is OK. We do get them in some J. Strauss works.

Rapping? Beatboxing?

Oh wait, Strauss doesn't know about hip-hop.