There have been too many innovative and important composers in the history of piano playing to give a good account even in the longest of encyclopaedia entries. There are a few names, however, that simply cannot be left out of any overview. Firstly, Ludvig van Beethoven, considered to be the most important figure in moving from the Classical to the Romantic periods in classical music. His incredible contribution to classical music is made more poignant by the fact that he continued to compose conduct and perform even after he completely lost his hearing in 1790s.
Franz Liszt is also worth mentioning, working in the 19th century he was a Hungarian master at piano. After earning a reputation in 19th Europe as a pianist with a formidable technical skill, he was apparently referred to as the greatest pianist of all time. A part of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School") his style was predictive of many 20th century ideas, and he created some lasting takes on musical form, including the symphonic poem, and thematic transformation.
Sergei Rachmaninoff, born in 1873 Russia, was a composer and pianist. His skill was widely praised, but his early compositions were not much loved. After a hiatus due to his critics, he came back with a more developed style and became extremely popular. Famously, Rachmaninoff had very big hands, and so was able to make use of unusually widely spaced chords, creating distinctive bell like sounds.
Chopin, of polish descent, is also a pianist who is widely loved. His pieces were known for requiring an advanced technical skill for playing them. Even in his very early years he was famous for his talents, and was called a child prodigy. He made his living from by composing and teaching, and so played little public shows, but still went on to become world renowned.
It's not just the 18th and 19th centuries that contain the great pianists of history, however, and it's not just classical music either. There have been many modern innovators that deserve mention such as Ray Charles, a pioneer in soul, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. His musical and social influences are world renowned.
Franz Liszt is also worth mentioning, working in the 19th century he was a Hungarian master at piano. After earning a reputation in 19th Europe as a pianist with a formidable technical skill, he was apparently referred to as the greatest pianist of all time. A part of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School") his style was predictive of many 20th century ideas, and he created some lasting takes on musical form, including the symphonic poem, and thematic transformation.
Sergei Rachmaninoff, born in 1873 Russia, was a composer and pianist. His skill was widely praised, but his early compositions were not much loved. After a hiatus due to his critics, he came back with a more developed style and became extremely popular. Famously, Rachmaninoff had very big hands, and so was able to make use of unusually widely spaced chords, creating distinctive bell like sounds.
Chopin, of polish descent, is also a pianist who is widely loved. His pieces were known for requiring an advanced technical skill for playing them. Even in his very early years he was famous for his talents, and was called a child prodigy. He made his living from by composing and teaching, and so played little public shows, but still went on to become world renowned.
It's not just the 18th and 19th centuries that contain the great pianists of history, however, and it's not just classical music either. There have been many modern innovators that deserve mention such as Ray Charles, a pioneer in soul, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. His musical and social influences are world renowned.
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