Piano is one great instrument that provides melody of life. “Pianos, unlike people, sing when you give them your every growl. They know how to dive into the pit of your stomach and harmonize with your roars when you’ve split yourself open. And when they see you, guts shining, brain pulsing, heart right there exposed in a rhythm that beats need need, need need, need need, pianos do not run. And so she plays.”
A single listing of pianists in all genres would be impractical, given the multitude of musicians noted for their performances on the instrument. But If you are wondering which pianist should you listen to, here are some of the pianist who are master in what they do.
Vangelis ( 29 March, 1943)
Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou, popularly known as Vangelis is a Greek composer cum pianist, who began composing at the age of 4. Although a composer, I would consider him as a Pianist as I love to see him playing piano. He was a person who refused to take a traditional piano lesson, and through out his career did not have a good grasp on reading and writing notations. But we can see how his music has inspired other to take piano playing seriously.
Whenever, we talk about Vangelis, the song that is anonymous to his name is score for the movie Chariots of Fire based on 1924 Summer Olympics. The music choice which was supposedly unorthodox as most of the movie of that period had orchestral scores, whereas his music was heavy and modern.
The other song that is one of the favorite in my playlist for Vangelis, is score from 1492: Conquest of Paradise, which was based on Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World. The song itself gives you the feeling of achievement. His music is gorgeous and unique.
Richard Clayderman (28 Dec, 1953)
More than 1300 recorded melodies in his name, Richard Clayderman is a French Pianist who has given a new meaning to the word "Romance" in piano playing is certainly one pianist to listen to. He is noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as being "the most successful pianist in the world". He is notably popular for instrumental renditions of popular music, movie soundtrack and easy listening arrangements of popular classical music.
Although there are many popular songs for him, some of the songs that is a must in my playlist are:
Although there are many popular songs for him, some of the songs that is a must in my playlist are:
Yiruma (15 Feb, 1978)
A South Korean pianist whose playing style is popular among the new generation listeners, started playing piano from the age of 5. His style of playing is normally categorized into "New Age Classical" or "Contemporary Classical" as his music is even popular among the listeners who are not that familiar with the classical music. Yiruma's music is considered as soothing and peaceful, as it takes you to a different world of imagination. I am sure that you will also feel the same once you hear him.
Some of the songs that is a must listen in my playlist for Yiruma are:
Some of the songs that is a must listen in my playlist for Yiruma are:
Maksim Mrvica (3 May, 1975)
Maksim Mrvica, a Croatian born pianist started playing from the age of 9. Maksim Mrvica knew he wanted to play the piano when he was just eight. He caught a glimpse of the instrument at his best friend Alexander’s house. That was in 1984 and although 22 years later he is one of the most famous contemporary pianists in the world. His playing is categorized as a new age classical form of music, which is a very popular.
Some of the songs which is a must listen in my playlist of Maksim Mrvica are:
To the amazement of some, the list doesn't include some great legends like Beethoven, Mozart & Liszt. They are some of the legends who can never be included in the list. They are the gods of music.
Nice post! I need to check Vangelis compositions now. Yiruma is my fav. though.
ReplyDeleteThanks dai.. :) So did you listen to Vangelis?
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