Piano duel for Flatbutt

[masraum]

Yuja Wang vs Khatia Buniatishvili

I doubt that I'll be able to score one over the other. Once it gets to that level, I can't imagine that I'd hear a difference. I don't any of us can "lose" in this competition (not an actual "competition". Someone put together various video clips by both. I'm going to listen without watching (watching is distracting, and mesmerizing).

[Flatbutt1]

Wow what a great find! Thanks Steve. You're correct that at this level of virtuosity, when either plays with such passion that their hands literally blur in your vision, any difference will come down to preference.

Wang tends to be more dramatic while Buniatishvili trends toward the lyrical.

However, each artist is equally capable of leaving either blood or tears on the keyboard.

That was great!

[masraum]

I finally got a chance to listen to the whole thing. I watched eyes closed, except for the bonus piece where they were both playing on the same piano (OMG, that's quite an experience, to hear them both and watch them playing).

I think I see what you're saying about the 2 styles. Yuja often sounds like she's sprouted at least one extra arm, maybe two. Khatia can (in the finale) play like that, but most of the music that was in the video seemed to not lend itself to drama as much as the music that Yuja played.

I wondered, so I found
Yuja playing Chopin: Waltz Op. 64 No. 2


to compare to
Khatia also playing Chopin: Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 (like in the video)


And then each one playing Ravel La Valse. In this one the difference in styles seems even more pronounced to me that in the Chopin Waltz above.





Something that I saw earlier today that really got my brain going was seeing this. I've got a grandson that's going to be 8 in May. I can't imagine him playing like Yuja's playing in the video below.

[javadog]

This one gets my vote:

[Alan A]

Does make you wonder if anyone would care about the music if they were hideous chuds.

[javadog]

You can’t take away their talent. Anybody that good is a joy to listen to.

That they might also be smoking hot is just one of those rare bonuses in life.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by javadog

You can’t take away their talent. Anybody that good is a joy to listen to.

That they might also be smoking hot is just one of those rare bonuses in life.

No - it’s the reason they get the exposure they get. I’m sure there are a dozen equally talented pianists that no one heard of because they don’t photograph quite so well.

[javadog]

Life isn’t fair.

Tell me, did I buy my Glenn Gould recordings because he was such a hottie?

[Steve Carlton]

I'd like to see a sandwich making competition to break the tie.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I'd like to see a sandwich making competition to break the tie.

Crumbs in bed...

[Flatbutt1]

Originally Posted by Alan A

No - it’s the reason they get the exposure they get. I’m sure there are a dozen equally talented pianists that no one heard of because they don’t photograph quite so well.

Maybe you're not familiar with the level of talent involved in such artistry and how much work is necessary.

There are global competitions taking place every year such as the Van Cliburn which draw hundreds of entrants. Just being pretty isn't enough.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Flatbutt1

Maybe you're not familiar with the level of talent involved in such artistry and how much work is necessary.

There are global competitions taking place every year such as the Van Cliburn which draw hundreds of entrants. Just being pretty isn't enough.

Right, this is a pretty cool video, it shows clips of her from the time that she was 8 years old until she was 36. I'm pretty sure that when she was 8, 10, etc... her looks had nothing to do with being in the spotlight. I've got a grandson that's going to be 8 in April. He's a smart kid, but playing like she does at 8 is otherworldly.

[masraum]

Amazing!

[masraum]

Super interesting

[masraum]

The funny thing is that watching these videos about pianists has made me want to watch a Billy Joel concert. There was one that I think was on HBO many years ago that stands out in my mind. I'll have to see what I can find to stream.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by masraum

I finally got a chance to listen to the whole thing. I watched eyes closed, except for the bonus piece where they were both playing on the same piano (OMG, that's quite an experience, to hear them both and watch them playing).

I think I see what you're saying about the 2 styles. Yuja often sounds like she's sprouted at least one extra arm, maybe two. Khatia can (in the finale) play like that, but most of the music that was in the video seemed to not lend itself to drama as much as the music that Yuja played.

I wondered, so I found

Yuja playing Chopin: Waltz Op. 64 No. 2



to compare to
Khatia also playing Chopin: Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 (like in the video)





...

[masraum]

Originally Posted by pmax

some stuff

Yep, at least one person thinks that he and Yuja are in the same list... Or maybe a full formal evening wear and subdued looks increase the quality of the music.

https://www.udiscovermusic.com/classical-features/best-classical-pianists/

this guy's not too bad either.

[Flatbutt1]

Originally Posted by masraum

Yep, at least one person thinks that he and Yuja are in the same list... Or maybe a full formal evening wear and subdued looks increase the quality of the music.

https://www.udiscovermusic.com/classical-features/best-classical-pianists/

this guy's not too bad either.

Horowitz is one of my favs.

Here is another: Helene Grimaud
She's my favorite for Beethoven interpretations.

[pmax]