We all know that pianos are for more than just playing classical music in a concert hall. They can also be used for some pretty crazy stunts.
From smashing them to shreds to playing upside down, these five performances will have you wondering what else the piano is capable of. Check them out!
Who is World’s Best Piano Player?
When it comes to choosing the world’s best piano player and finding the best piano performances, there is no clear consensus. However, some of the best piano players are:
- Sergey Rachmaninoff
- Thelonious Monk
- Yundi Li
While there is no definitive answer to the question of who is the world’s best piano player, these three musicians are certainly among the most celebrated and revered pianists in history.Of course, all of the performers in the videos below make the final cut, too!
What one person may deem as one of the best piano performances may not be seen in the same light by someone else.
Furthermore, there are a wide variety of styles and genres of piano music, making it difficult to compare players across all genres. However, there are a few pianists who are widely regarded as being among the best in the world.
Want to become one of the greats yourself? If so, you need to sign up for piano lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know to become a pro, even how to improvise! Just check out the video below for more inspiration and to learn how good piano performers become the best piano performers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQ1ZXph1HI
What is the Best Piano Performance?
Think only rock guitarists burn their instruments? Or that flying performances are reserved exclusively for singers playing Peter Pan? Think again! These famous piano players are breaking all the rules with their unbelievable performances.
Here are some of the top and most amazing piano performances of all time.
Burning Love
Pianist Yosuke Yamashita wanted to create a performance that would capture his passion for the piano. So, in the course of this nearly 10-minute performance, his piano was set on fire and he played until the strings are burned out and will no longer make sound. In the video above, he starts playing at about 3:10. Though it is hard for some to watch the piano burn, it is an incredibly powerful visual statement of Yamashita’s love for the instrument and his drive to get the last notes out even as he coughs on the smoke.
Hitting the High Notes
In 2012, adventurous Brazilian pianist Ricardo Nogueria de Castro Monteiro performed on a piano suspended “tens of metres” above the earth. As part of the Virada Cultural festival, he played once at sunrise and again at noon. Seeing the large instrument flying through the air must have made this a magical day!
ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible)
This piece by John Cage is written with the tempo “as slow as possible” as the only guideline. Performances of the piano version generally clock in around the 20-minute mark. However, at St. Burchardi church in Halberstadt, Germany, an organ is playing this piece slower than you ever thought possible. The organ began playing in 2001 and the final note will not be heard until 2640.
On the Wall
The Piano Guys, known for their viral YouTube videos, took their gorgeous piano and cello duet all the way to the Great Wall of China for a performance that will give you goosebumps. The beautiful music and scenery in their videos make these famous piano players absolutely unforgettable.
16 Hand Piano
If you’ve ever played “four-hand piano” (AKA a piano duet), then you know how much fun it can be to share a keyboard with a friend. Imagine how much fun these eight pianists must have had! Not a note is out of place, which is very impressive considering the speed and complexity of the composition.
The Best Piano Performers of All Time
Some of the best piano performers in the world are those who have been classically trained. This is because they have typically gone through years of rigorous training, learning how to play with both precision and feeling.
As a result, they are able to perform a wide range of classical pieces with both technical mastery and emotion. However, there are also many talented pianists who have not had formal training.
These performers often have a more natural gift for music, and they may be more likely to improvise or experiment with their playing. While they may not be able to play as precisely as those who have been classically trained, they can sometimes create more emotionally powerful performances.
Ultimately, there is no single formula for success when it comes to piano performance. Some of the best performers are those who have had formal training, while others are gifted individuals who have found their own unique style of playing.
How to Deliver the Best Piano Performance
Want to join the ranks of the pianists listed above? Here are some performance piano tips.
As a piano performer, you have the power to create a moving and unforgettable experience for your audience. Whether you’re playing for a small gathering or a packed house, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your performance is its best.
First, it’s important to be well-prepared.
Make sure you know your music inside and out, and take the time to warm up before your performance.
Once you’re onstage, be confident and focus on your playing; this will help you to connect with the music and project your feelings to the audience. It’s also important to be aware of your body language; make sure you’re conveying the appropriate emotion through your posture and gestures.
Finally, don’t be afraid to show your personality; let your unique style shine through in your playing.
By following these tips, you can deliver a piano performance that will resonate with your audience long after the final note has been played.
What Do You Call a Piano Performance?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, take some time to watch these videos and see how these amazing artists use their talent to create something truly unique.
After watching them, we hope you feel inspired to experiment with your own playing and come up with something new. And don’t forget, if you ever need help getting started or want someone to critique your work, signing up for piano lessons is a great way to get some helpful feedback.
What’s the most unforgettable piano performance you’ve ever seen? Who are your favorite famous piano players? Let us know in the comments below!
Megan L.