The piano, since its invention in the 18th century, has been a central instrument in classical and modern music. Its versatility allows for a wide range of styles, from baroque music to jazz, making it one of the most popular and beloved instruments around the world. Over the centuries, numerous pianists have left an indelible mark on the history of music, each contributing their unique style and technical mastery.
1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Although primarily known for his compositions, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was also a noted pianist. From a very early age, Mozart demonstrated prodigious talent on the keyboard, and throughout his life he was a renowned virtuoso throughout Europe. He was one of the first musicians to demonstrate the expressive potential of the piano, which at the time was a relatively new instrument. As a pianist, Mozart was renowned for his ability to improvise, and his mastery of the instrument is reflected in his piano concertos, which remain some of the most frequently performed pieces today. His technical fluidity and ability to combine complex emotions in precise and flawless form position him as one of history's great piano geniuses.
2. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Beethoven is another giant of classical music whose legacy as a pianist remains revered. Like Mozart, he began playing the piano at an early age and quickly earned a reputation as a virtuoso of the instrument. His ability to convey deep emotion through the piano, often accompanied by his own inner torment, made him a unique figure in music history. Beethoven was one of the first pianists to utilize the full dynamic range of the piano, allowing him to explore sonic nuances that other composers and pianists of his time had only just begun to consider. Although he became completely deaf later in life, Beethoven continued to compose and perform, creating some of the most challenging and emotionally intense piano sonatas ever written, such as the Moonlight Sonata and the Hammerklavier.
3. Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Franz Liszt is undoubtedly one of the most influential and admired pianists of all time. Considered by many to be classical music's "first rock star," Liszt was not only a technical virtuoso, but also possessed unrivaled charisma and showmanship. His solo piano recitals, a novel concept in his day, drew crowds of fans who came from all over Europe to watch him play. Liszt was capable of impressive technical feats on the keyboard, and many of his compositions, such as the Transcendental Etudes and the Hungarian Rhapsodies, are works of incredibly high virtuosity. Liszt not only pushed the technical boundaries of the piano, but also influenced generations of later pianists and composers.
4. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Chopin is often described as the poet of the piano. Born in Poland and active primarily in Paris, Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano, creating some of the most beautiful and technically challenging works in the repertoire. While Liszt excelled in virtuosity and stage presence, Chopin stood out for his sensitivity and ability to evoke deep emotion through the keyboard. His Nocturnes, Ballades, Mazurkas and Polonaises are essential pieces for any pianist, and his style, marked by an innovative use of pedals, delicate ornamentation and rich harmonies, revolutionised the way the piano was understood and played. For many, Chopin represents the heart and soul of the Romantic piano.
5. Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Rachmaninov was one of the last great Romantics, a pianist and composer whose technique and expressiveness left a profound impression on the music world. Born in Russia, his style is marked by spacious, passionate melodies and rich, complex harmonies. As a pianist, Rachmaninov was renowned for his technical prowess. His Piano Concerto No. 3, known as one of the most difficult to perform in the piano repertoire, is a real challenge for even the most virtuosic. Throughout his life, Rachmaninov maintained an international career as a pianist, performing on the world's leading stages. His legacy as a pianist and composer lives on today, with his works being part of the standard repertoire of any advanced pianist.
6. Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982)
Arthur Rubinstein was one of the most celebrated pianists of the 20th century, renowned for his Chopin performances and his long international career that spanned more than eight decades. Born in Poland, Rubinstein began his career as a child prodigy and quickly gained fame for his passionate style, technical mastery and charisma on stage. He was known for his ability to make the piano "sing", capturing deep emotion in every performance. Rubinstein was also admired for his longevity, continuing to give recitals and record well into his old age. His discography, which includes numerous recordings of Chopin's complete piano works, remains a reference for pianists around the world.
7. Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989)
Vladimir Horowitz is another 20th-century pianist who left an indelible mark on music history. Born in Ukraine, Horowitz was known for his unparalleled virtuosity and his ability to generate intense emotion in every performance. His technique was astonishing, and his ability to play with a combination of delicacy and power has been compared to that of the greatest pianists of all time. Horowitz was renowned for his passionate style, dramatic interpretations and ability to improvise. His interpretation of works such as Liszt’s Sonata in B minor or the Rachmaninov sonatas are considered definitive, and his return to the stage after several lengthy retirements was always a celebrated event.
8. Claudio Arrau (1903-1991)
Chilean Claudio Arrau was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, admired both for his impeccable technique and his profound philosophical approach to music. Arrau was renowned for his thoughtful interpretations and his ability to extract great emotional and structural meaning from the works he performed. His repertoire was vast, ranging from Bach to contemporary composers, although he is especially remembered for his interpretations of Beethoven, Schumann and Liszt. His approach was often characterised by a close attention to detail and an emotional depth that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
9. Glenn Gould (1932-1982)
Glenn Gould is one of the most original and iconic pianists of the 20th century. Although his career as a concert pianist was brief, his impact on piano performance was enormous. Gould is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, especially the Goldberg Variations, which he recorded twice, once in 1955 and again in 1981, both considered reference recordings. His style, often marked by an extremely meticulous and analytical approach, distinguished him from other pianists of his time. Gould was also famous for his rejection of live recitals, preferring instead the perfection of studio recordings.
10. Martha Argerich (1941-present)
Argentine-born Martha Argerich is widely considered one of the greatest living pianists. Her virtuoso technique and ability to perform with extraordinary emotional depth and intensity have made her a favorite of both audiences and critics. Argerich stood out from an early age, winning the International Chopin Piano Competition in 1965. Throughout her career, she has been known for her interpretations of works by composers such as Prokofiev, Ravel, and Liszt, and for her ability to combine flawless technique with profound musicality. Despite her aversion to solo recitals, Argerich remains a central figure in the piano world, both as a soloist and as a collaborator in chamber music.
11. Svyatoslav Richter (1915-1997)
Sviatoslav Richter, one of the greatest Russian pianists of the 20th century, is known for his vast repertoire, which ranged from Bach to contemporary composers. Richter was renowned for his ability to play with astonishing precision and technical control, as well as for his introspective and often enigmatic style. Throughout his career, he eschewed stardom, preferring to concentrate on the music itself rather than fame or glamour. His performances of Beethoven and Schubert sonatas, as well as works by Rachmaninov and Prokofiev, remain staples of the classical music world.
Each of these artists has made significant contributions to the evolution of the piano, and their performances continue to inspire concert halls, recording studios and homes around the world.