Piano Professor Breaks Down 16 Legendary Pianists’ Techniques 

Correction: 2:49 is actually from the Finale of Rach 3, although it does sound like the beginning of Schumann's Carnaval up a step. By the way, Rachmaninoff recorded Carnaval and you should listen: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qU4ZLZF2gZY.html

No, dear Professor, definitely no. You won‘t get away with only 16. You owe us the next 16 and the next 16…. This is one of the most fascinating videos on piano playing ever made. To say thank you is not enough.

9:08 😂 You imitate so well how Horowitz was speaking english! Wonderful maestro! Your ear is definitely perfect!

Your point on Rubinstein "playing as if for you personally" . . . . is so true. I saw him around 1973, in Newcastle, England. We, the audience, were appalled when we realized the hall was going to be 5/6ths EMPTY. Given the stature of this "legendary" artist we felt ASHAMED at our community's poor turnout, and what Rubinstein would think of it. But he came out, all smiles and dignity, and played his absolute heart out for us. (Including many encores.) For him, it was not about being angry for those who had NOT shown up, but about rewarding those who had. And he expressed immense gratitude for our applause -- such as we could muster -- at the concert's conclusion.

From what I recall, the anecdote on Art Tatum and Vladimir Horowitz, as told by Oscar Peterson, was not that Tatum sat down and played the exact arrangement that Horowitz had just played; but instead that he sat and started improvising his own variations (most likely inspired in part by the Horowitz arrangement he had just heard) and he kept going with variation after variation until poor Horowitz had to stop him, and ask him “Dear God, when did you come up with all that?” And Tatum responded “Just now”. What pianists such as Horowitz and Rachmaninov admired above all, beyond technique, was Tatum’s (and in a broad sense, jazz pianists’) ability to just sit down and improvise material on the fly. Of course, they held Tatum in high regard because he was doing it with a special level of proficiency and technique.

Very interesting analysis! I'm glad to see that you have included Alicia de Larrocha (my mother) among the 16 legendary pianists of this video! ❤Of course there are many more legendary pianists that I hope we can hear your comments in future videos! Just like you say, they are all magnificent and all different! Long live to the difference! Thanks!!

9:07 , perfect Horowitz impression 🤣🤣🤣

I could listen to Mr. Krieger talk about the piano/pianists all day. Very knowledgeable, passionate, and a wonderful speaking voice as well!

How can you not include Gould? His flat finger technique, along with his incredibly low seating, easily made him one of the most unique concert pianists of all time!

I don't comment on videos often, but I just really wanted to express how amazing this one was. Thanks tonebase and Mr. Norman! I feel more inspired today (:

Can we please acknowledge the amazing voice impression Norman Krieger does of Horowitz? 😂

This demonstration/ lecture a real gift …everything you would ever want in a teacher.

That praying mantis finger-striking was a game changer for me. I saw that exact same exact video of Argerich, then decided to try playing repeated notes with that kind of strike. Felt a lot more intuitive to me.

Sir, your Horowitz impression is impeccable! 09:09 made me laugh! This interview video is greeaaat!!!!! The pianists on the list are also my heroes; I completely agree with this. Thank you, Sir! Thank you, Tonebase!

Wow. Such great talent and the professor is no slouch either. And he speaks with admiration of these great pianists, no pretense , given the complexity of the pieces . Amazing what a human being is capable of doing.

I loved EVERY SINGLE THING about this video! Thank you, Professor - you are so down to earth. Wonderful ❤

This is gold ! Prof is so engaging, charismatic and a great narrator and entertainer ! That imitation of Horowitz was so spot on 🏆🏆🏆🌹🙏

I love the Horowitz impressions. It would have been great to see Cziffra in this list

Sokolov is a pianist that i wished was in here. His technique is one of the cleanest among top pianists

Mr Krieger is really one of a kind to me. So humble and so honoring all of those fantastic players. Just a pleasure to watch and to listen to.

His description and discussion of Murray Perahia's technique is spot on. Perahia remains vastly underrated amongst the great 20th century pianists. He has the gift of making everything he plays sound natural and beautiful. Although nearly every great pianist has recorded Schumann's Fantasie in C, Op. 17, Perahia's recording remains my favorite. For me, no one has ever made this wondrous piece sound as beautiful.

How interesting. Thanks for sharing. (I have missed María João Pires; the great lady of the piano).

9:08 what??? It's so perfect. I literally thought it was interview of him

As a pianist, I very much approve of this roster of pianists that were selected to be discussed! Great video.

This video is awesome. Tonebase has really brought the community together to create something special. This is peak social media imho. People with the same interests, expertise, appreciation coming forward to both learn and share one's knowledge without ego. The humility of these experts really makes the experience special. And as an added comment: there is no sense of chore. Every video I have watched contains a sense of appreciation for being able to help and discuss. The lack of arrogance is obvious and honestly, that makes our "piano crew" (shout out to twoset) proud

Wonderful presentation. Good to see that I.U. Piano Dept. is in good hands. Very informative. Thanks!

Fascinating. Can’t wait for the next list. Michelangeli, Angela Hewitt, and Gould would be great additions.

Professor I viewed this video a second time without realizing it as so much time passed....this time I noticed how well you yourself play...lucky young students in Indiana!!

All piano students of every age should watch this video! Thank you!!! And I love your impersonations too!!!

Such a joy. The story about Art Taum and Horowitz was so amazing. This video was revelatory. Thank you.

Thank you Professor Krieger!

Excellent! Awesome Horowitz impressions/voices BTW!! I literally would NOT BE able to tell the difference between you and the late great Vladimir Horowitz by voice alone (and I have a decent ear)!!!! You are also a fantastic pianist and musician and I love hearing you perform and speak!

“We’re all different. We shouldn’t sound alike. We should be ourselves.” ♥️

Wonderful! Thank you Professor! Fascinating presentation and analysis. Love hearing about all the selected pianists, in particular Gilels, Richter, Alicia de Larocha as well as your memory of Argerich and the story between Horowitz and Tatum. I look forward to the next presentation, hope Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Serkin, Angela Hewitt and Evgeny Kissin, among others can be included in the next one. Thank you again.

Professor, am I allowed to say that you are the first USA pianist that I heared that has decent tone of voice and the ability to play in the spirit of each original composer? I think your understanding of different playing types is really respectfull and really well. Thank you for sharing this video!

Outstanding analysis and demonstration. I love how Art Tatum was included. I was hoping to hear an analysis of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Byron Janis, Mitsuko Uchida, and even Percy Grainger.

Even among these titans, I get floored by Martha Argerich; there is something about how she understands music that somehow aligns with my mind. Does anyone else feel the same? About her, or any of the other pianists in the video?

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed his understanding and explanation of every composer…

So glad you included Volodos in the list.

Although a lifelong musician, I am not a piano expert. Thank you so much for this fascinating video. For a long time now, The two pianists who have moved me the most are Tatum and Argerich. His facility and style, and her touch and technique, are the pinnacles, IMHO.

Excellent video, albeit a little bit too brief (for my taste anyway) with regard to the particular techniques of these pianists. For Part 2, there are some obvious candidates: Michelangeli and Gould as several already have suggested. Lipatti, Cziffra, and Hamelin are also on the short list. Bonus points for the Horowitz impersonation which was spot on, as already remarked by several here.

it's fascinating to watch tatum's hands, the way he slides up and down the piano almost looks like working the neck of a string instrument. very efficient too, his left hand is perfectly still until there's somewhere else it needs to be. gives the impression of this huge clarity of musical thought

Dr. Krieger brilliantly conveys each of these incredible pianist so very well. Thank you for this.

What an absolute JOY to discover this today. great music, great commentary, just a jewel of a video. Thank you ever so much

Enjoyed this so much. I have been lucky enough to see Zimerman perform, that was such a treat!

I felt exactly the same the first time I heard Volodos. It was like he was in another dimension entirely.

But wait…Watts, Pogorelich, Brendel, Iturbi. PLEASE, keep going. This is so very fascinating. Thank you.

Brilliant! Thank you for recording thus video!!

I have enjoyed this video probably more than any other video that I've seen on RU-vid. To be able to see and hear these legendary pianists one after the other was fascinating. Professor Krieger gave fascinating insights into each pianist's technique and execution, not to mention personality. I look forward to more videos like this.

Very diplomatic and nicely described. The representation of different technique at the piano within his hands and body displays his understanding and skill. I would recommend a bit more depth and relaxation at the bottom of each key as any tension and the modern approach to playing the piano make shallower. All limitation and britelness of sound originates from a lack of follow through. This was a lesson best preserved from the teaching of Franz Liszt through his students of which I am a third generation. I enjoyed this video and hope to see more.

What a marvellous video and teacher. Absolutely lovely.

This video was an absolute joy to watch. Thank you. 💕

As far as Professor Krieger wondering about Schiff generating interest in music never meant for a concert hall, I would say that some performers fill a large hall (projection?) and some bring attention very close in, creating intimacy, as if we were all sitting together in a small room, one with a fireplace perhaps. I hope Professor Krieger is not totally consumed by administrative duties and departmental politics, being the chair of a large department, but still has enough time and energy to teach. Kids need his knowledge, skill, humor and beautiful playing.

What a marvelous, marvelous video, analysis and demonstration. Mr. Krieger himself is superb here at the piano and in his musical thinking and interpretation. I will be listening to many of his own recordings. Also, I hope he makes another video where he analyzes the playing of 16 more pianists, since there are so more to study and analyze. Thank you Mr. Krieger. This was special.

One of the best Tone Base postings.. Such perfect choices by a great pianist, himself, Norman Krieger!

The GOAT. Thank you so much professor Krieger!

This is a fantastic video, and your playing is beautiful, but you left out one of MY very favorite pianists, Alfred Brendel. However, you DID include my other favorite, the great Claudio Arrau, so no hard feelings. 😁

Gold. These videos continue to be absolutely fascinating.

This is wonderful, thank you. As well as the fantastic content, the video editing is great. I particularly like the split screen bits where Krieger mimics the pianist in question.

What a great video! More please. I was lucky enough to see six of these geniuses and even interview a couple of them. Rubinstein, Horowitz, Delarocha, Cliburn, Perahia, and Zimmerman. Wonderful memories that you bring back for me.

This was absolutely wonderful! Loved every second. Thanks for posting

Bravo, Professor! Thanks for the great video, we're all hoping for the next set of great pianists!

Wonderful video, I love how he gets to Art Tatum and he’s just so bewildered by how good he is he doesn’t even get into any esoteric technique

Thank you. Such a warm gift. So glad Claudio Arrau from Chile was included in this summary.

Excellent observations by Mr. Krieger, and lots of variety in his comments! We are indebted to both of you for this treasure trove of musicality...🎵

Superb video! And I find it amazing that Mr. Krieger seems able to play convincingly in the styles of almost all these pianists. I'd love to hear some of his own performances -- I'd bet he can play just about anything!

I think this is the best video I’ve watched! Incredible, and so informative!

Just found this. Thank you for the overview and comments.

Loved this! Happy to see the master Claudio Arrau mentioned. Rudolf Serkin would have been a good addition to the analysis! Thanks for sharing! ✨️

Dear Professor, thank you for such a great video. Looking forward to the next list (probably with Gould and other interesting pianists) 🙏

Thank you Professor Krieger.

That was a really enjoyable video to watch. Thanks !

Wonderful analysis. Gilels. Professor comments on how his technique sometimes leads to wrong notes. I heard Gilels in London around 1980 in the Grieg concerto. A lot of wrong notes but the most amazing depth of sound and musicality and by far the best version I have ever heard. I would have like to see the other great Russian Lazar Berman in the analysis.

How inspiring this info is! Different approaches, so all well showing how every personality makes his or her music thanks to the composers! Beautifull..

It's so interesting to learn the personal stories of these pianists 😊

A wonderful short lecture. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and capability as a pianist and teacher.

Great Video, Great Lesson, Great Inspiration! Thank you so much, Professor… 🙏

Loved hearing Professor Kreiger’s playing. Would love to hear more of his performances

bravo! for making this video. What a treat to watch.

Thank you so very much! Please, continue! ❤

Thanks so much, Dr Krieger! I love the pianists you’ve chosen, which includes my top three- Argerich, Zimmerman and Perahia, all of whom I’ve had the immense good fortune to hear live- also De Larrocha. I also love many of the others- each soulful and immensely musical as well as technical giants.

This may be the best summary and informative short video I’ve ever seen discussing how many of the best pianists ever played the piano. A great late teacher of mine, classical and jazz pianist, and later an artist I produced said this, the problem with most pianists is that they have it backwards. One should focus on sound, then time (feel) then notes. Most focus on notes first. Then time. Then sound. So true. All of these pianists you summarized appear to have it right. They produce a sound first. Their sound. Then time. Then notes. Your video and illustrations are impressive and so well done. But I must say, if I had to pick the most unique sound here it would be hard to be more unique and light and identifiable than the only jazz pianist in this classical group. You guessed it, Art Tatum. And mainly blind, I suppose he out of all of them had to focus on sound first. And look what it resulted in? Horowitz asking, “How do you do it?” Well Mr Horowitz, Mr. Tatum reproduced a sound unlike any other. It’s the sound. Fantastic sir. Thank you for the video. (the artist was Dick Hindman. Sorry I forgot to mention. You can hear Dick Hindman play on a YT channel I created after his passing. Oscar Peterson called Hindman Oscar’s favorite pianist. They were very good friends).

Amazing video ! I love the comments on how playing relates to the personality of each master

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing!

This is a wonderful video. I am always working on my technique. Comparing it to the great artists is very helpful.

Thanks for a great video and that big laugh at the end! 🙂🙂🙂❤🙏🏼

What a fantastic video, thank you!

Many thanks for this post. It demonstrates techniques that can widen young pianists’ appreciation of how to approach their music. Loved the voice too..

2:26 His impression of Horowitz is spot on!!

Dear Mr. Norman Krieger, just from the very short examples you played in this video, especially from Bach, you must not only teach, but also give concerts and also immortalize your fantastic musical feeling by recording as much piano repertoire as possible. Music needs such an interpreter and such a musician as you. At least I believe that your Bach playing is unique, and it will be a blessing to hear you play, a greater blessing than hearing all the pianists presented in your video.

I learned so much about the piano, playing, and style just listening to your analysis, and then demonstrating their style. Amazing! Thank you for your passion.

I just love when he just destroooooooys mimicking murray, just flawless, with minimal movement of each part of the hand, making voicings with each finger, effortlessly. Amazing professor! You're one of the greatests!!

Please add Erroll Garner, Sokolov, Kissin, Edwin Fischer, Wilhelm Backhaus, Nelson Freire, Gina Bachauer, Glenn Gould… Professor Krieger is the perfect person to do this, and I would welcome more videos featuring him. Additionally, perhaps you could interview Carol Rosenberger.

Every good pianist knows that Tatum was GOD. ❤ I love hearing pianists just rave about Tatum.

Thank you, Professor Krieger! This video is valuable beyond words. Bravo.

Thank you Herr Professor. That was most enjoyable and informative. It didn’t include one of my favorite artists that I heard in concert earlier this year (Kissin) but there are probably more editions you could make of this kind of video. Again, thank you kindly for taking the time. I took notes.

As a (fairly) beginning piano student, I have come to believe that playing the piano must be one of the greatest miracles of life. Trying to unravel and execute the myriad movements, coordinating polyrhythms, understanding key signatures (and implementing them), trills, finger independence ... where do all these skills come from?

Amazing video, tough I feel like Ashkenazy and Cziffra are missing

Such Class and demeanor and elegance in presentation. SUPERB!

Fantastic and so knowledgeable. To be able to just pull out those musical examples from so many works. Wonderful.