Three piano giants were born today
NewsArturo Benedetti Michelangeli, b. Brescia, January 5, 1920 (d. Lugano, 1995)
Alfred Brendel, b Wizemberk, Cz, 5 January 1931
Maurizio Pollini, b Milano, 5 January 1942, d there March, 23, 2024
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Interesting factoid, as all three played with icy, wintry detachment.
I would say Michelangeli’s playing was the opposite of icy, the most powerful, earthy, fiery sound imaginable. Pollini also had a very powerful sound, but often harsh, never graceful or delicate. Brendel is completely different, in my opinion much weaker technically than Michelangeli and Pollini, but has great sensitivity and subtlety.
Try Brendel’s traversal of Schubert Gb Impromptu for size.
I don’t recognise this description of Alfred Brendel https://youtu.be/Bi4hpkvXahg?si=JPnIRQ1uK-g6aR0B
You obviously listen with different ears to me.
People often parrot this when they have read it elsewhere but have not spent time actually attending the performances of these players. It’s written all over YT by armchair critics who can hardly find middle C. Having heard all 3 in the flesh, and as a professional musician myself, I can assure you that the last thing I associate with any of them is icy detachment.
Unfortunately, for Pollini you should also include (d. Milano, 2024)
It’s certainly worth noting that Maurizio Pollini died on March 23, 2024.
Happy Birthday Maestro Brendel!
Don‘t forget Nikolay (or Nicholas) Medtner, b. Moscow, 1880; d. London, 1951. He has been dead for a while, but he was not a bad pianist, and his music still has its admirers.
Brenden’s Schubert Impromptu Ab is my favorite.
How do you know? Or do you reall mean on this same day.
Happy birthday, Herr Brendel! And thank you for your profound artistry and your wonderful wit — in music as in words.
Interesting, if they were born today how are they already giants?
Is your middle name Pedantic…?
All 3 were great in their day. Brendel, especially, is my all time favorite.
It’s certainly too early to know if someone born today will turn out to be a piano giant.
5th Jan also the day Pierre Boulez died .
Interesting how reactions to artists are so individual.
Michelangeli I wish I had heard live and treasure his recordings.
Pollini I heard many times in his prime and adored. Play his recordings frequently.
Brendel I heard live a few times and instantly forgot, though I could not fault the playing per se, just bland… nor do I play his recordings much.
I share a birthday with Rubinstein, whom many adore. He’s the definition of icy detatchment to me, and having tried many times to engage with recordings, I now avoid at all costs.
Yes, I know I am probably missing something great, but I just can’t like it no matter how hard I try. My problem, I know. Awaiting the inevitable vicious replies.