Piano Lovers?

[AndrewWiggin]

I have very recently begun listening to classical piano, and right now I've been listening to Chopin and Schubert.

So, any piano lovers out there who could recommend a next logical step for me?

Or, if you have a piece by Chopin or Schubert that you love, let me know what it is, right now I only have some collections.

 

[tblech]

rachmaninoff

 

[Pescara]

http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Argerich-Plays-Chopin-Legendary/dp/B00000IWVS

 

[dslazar9]

Beethoven Piano Sonatas and Concertos.

 

[Edcculus]

When I played Piano a lot, I was more of a Jazz and contemporary guy. Not that Classical doesn't have its place, but it always felt a little restrictive for my style. On the more classical end, but really more Contemporary, I really got into John Cage, and Eric Satie

 

[beginish]

Maurizio Pollini's performance of Chopin's Etudes is amazing.

 

[TonyH]

rachmaninoff

+1

 

[Peto]

It'a a really hard question. I'm a big piano lover and play it myself a little bit. Everything depends on everything. Pieces I listen now I wouldn't listen a year ago. So you should try to buy some good recordings, listen it and if you don't like them try it again in future. But I recommend you not to buy cheap and bad recordings! Yes, you can buy cheap and good recordings, but be aware. There are few sites which can help you, for example http://www.classicstoday.com, there is a lot of reviews.

There is so much stuff you HAVE to know . It's the same as shaving. From todays pianists, I hidhly recommend Murray Perahia. His late recordings of Bach and Beethoven are really outstanding. There are other must have pianists, as Sviatoslav Richter, Rudolf Serkin, Leon Fleisher, Alfred Brendel, Wilhelm Backhaus... I could go on and on. Oh, I almost forgot, it's nice to try find them on Youtube and then to decide what you want.

That's my two cents. Hope I've helped you. If you need some help, PM me.

Peter

 

[Uncle Erik]

Another vote for Bach. He's one of my favorites and there are many terrific artists and recordings available.

While they aren't classical performers, you might want to try a little Bill Evans or Oscar Peterson.

 

[John Kreiner]

While they aren't classical performers, you might want to try a little Bill Evans or Oscar Peterson.

I love classical music (including piano music) as well, and Oscar Peterson might not be a classical performer seen from a traditional point of view, but his "Hymn to Freedom" is IMO very close to a classical performance.

 

[Frowzy]

Another vote for Bach. He's one of my favorites and there are many terrific artists and recordings available.

While they aren't classical performers, you might want to try a little Bill Evans or Oscar Peterson.

+1 add Thelonious Monk to that list

 

[Duamuteffe]

When I played Piano a lot, I was more of a Jazz and contemporary guy. Not that Classical doesn't have its place, but it always felt a little restrictive for my style. On the more classical end, but really more Contemporary, I really got into John Cage, and Eric Satie

+1 on the suggestions, especially on Satie. I'd suggest Satie before Cage. I like Cage, too, but he was more of an acquired taste, not something I'd have immediately gotten into when I was starting out listening to piano music.

 

[hdhaskell]

If you're into Chopin, I'd recommend his piano concerto #2. I have a recording by Artur Rubinstein -- his interpretations of Chopin in general are legendary (IMHO YMMV ETC)

 

[Walt Whitman]

rachmaninoff

+2

beethoven piano sonatas and concertos.

+1

Also, Oscar Peterson & Bill Evans. However, Monk is a bit of an acquired taste.

 

[oscarbowman]

Rachmaninoff

A big +1 I know its a bit clichéd but 2nd movement 2nd Concerto! Something else! Eric Carman stole the main theme for "All by myself" (mid 70s) to great effect.

Beethoven Piano Sonatas and Concertos.

I had a late Aunt who was very fond of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas and for a long time I couldn't bring myself to either play or listen to any! Time has since healed. Beautiful works.

 

[tblech]

If you're into Chopin, I'd recommend his piano concerto #2. I have a recording by Artur Rubinstein -- his interpretations of Chopin in general are legendary (IMHO YMMV ETC)

Rubinstine is a wonderful performer

 

[Dennis]

Chopin is one my favorite piano composers. Here is what I would recommend:

Bach - Goldberg Variations. I like Glenn Gould - try the 1981 version.

Beethoven - the complete cycle of Piano Sonatas is nice, but 8, 13, 21, and 23 are especially nice.

Chopin - Ballades, Polanaises, Waltzes, Mazurkas. Rubenstein is the gold standard.

Mozart - His Piano Sonatas are interesting. Until quite recently, there are not recorded very seriously. They were written mostly for children or in-house entertainment, but I still like them. Try Sonata 10, 11, 12, 15 and 16.


If you really like Schubert, try the Beethoven first as they are more similar. Ted Libbey wrote a book which is OK. I haven't really checked out what else might be available.

 

[raisindot]

Well, if you like Chopin, than you probably will like Liszt as well, since he was basically Chopin's biggest "competitor" (even though they were friends) in the piano composition department.

If you want to move on to the concerto world, you might as well pick up Grieg and Tschaikowsky piano concertos for your fix of romanticism.

For jazz, all the previous recommendations, plus Tommy Flannagan if you're looking for a more lyrical touch or Art Tatum's solo recordings if you're looking for astounding technique.

Jeff in Boston

 

[CaribbeanSoul]

+1 on Oscar Peterson

 

[Doc4]

... Oh, I almost forgot, it's nice to try find them on Youtube and then to decide what you want.

Big +1