Piano is one of the widely known musical instruments. In fact, most of the music schools have piano lessons as the fundamental course to introduce music to their students. Despite of the piano’s worldly nature, many people are still unable to understand the true nature of this magnificent instrument. Moreover, they dwell on the old-fashioned paradigm that piano is only associated with tenderness, tranquility, elegance, and classical. This paradigm is supported by the existence of ‘elegant’ pianists, such as Richard Clayderman and Maxim Mrvica.
First of all, Richard Clayderman’s playing style represents the tenderness and tranquility of the piano. He often uses the flowing legato and ligature phrases combined with sustain pedal to create the soothing atmosphere. In addition, he utilizes simple pop chords to strengthen the simplistic style. Secondly, Maxim Mrvica’s playing style represents the elegance and classical side of the piano. A prime example is the famous repertoire ‘Flight of The Bumblebee’.
On the other hand, there are few musicians that are able to break through the old paradigm, creating fresh and innovative usage of the piano. One of them is Hiromi Uehara, a 28 years old Japanese pianist. Hiromi’s music is very original and extensive, able to touch the secluded aspects of life (unlike most musicians who only create love songs). For example, in ‘Time Control’ album she uses the term ‘jazztronica’ to describe the elusive nature of time and the interconnection between past, present, and future. Moreover, she performs unusual and amazing improvisation styles, such as punching the piano, unique Latin chops, furious storm of flying notes and excellent clarity of piano articulation which enable the audience to be devoured in the realm of imagination. In addition, Hiromi has won numerous international awards and her albums have earned praises from the critics.
As a conclusion, piano is a paradox. One side of the coin is gentleness, peacefulness, and elegance. However, only certain pianists can draw out the other side of the coin and bring innovation to the musical realm. Of course, the musical world is looking forward to next generation pianists to draw out more potential from this paradoxical yet amazing musical instrument.
First of all, Richard Clayderman’s playing style represents the tenderness and tranquility of the piano. He often uses the flowing legato and ligature phrases combined with sustain pedal to create the soothing atmosphere. In addition, he utilizes simple pop chords to strengthen the simplistic style. Secondly, Maxim Mrvica’s playing style represents the elegance and classical side of the piano. A prime example is the famous repertoire ‘Flight of The Bumblebee’.
On the other hand, there are few musicians that are able to break through the old paradigm, creating fresh and innovative usage of the piano. One of them is Hiromi Uehara, a 28 years old Japanese pianist. Hiromi’s music is very original and extensive, able to touch the secluded aspects of life (unlike most musicians who only create love songs). For example, in ‘Time Control’ album she uses the term ‘jazztronica’ to describe the elusive nature of time and the interconnection between past, present, and future. Moreover, she performs unusual and amazing improvisation styles, such as punching the piano, unique Latin chops, furious storm of flying notes and excellent clarity of piano articulation which enable the audience to be devoured in the realm of imagination. In addition, Hiromi has won numerous international awards and her albums have earned praises from the critics.
As a conclusion, piano is a paradox. One side of the coin is gentleness, peacefulness, and elegance. However, only certain pianists can draw out the other side of the coin and bring innovation to the musical realm. Of course, the musical world is looking forward to next generation pianists to draw out more potential from this paradoxical yet amazing musical instrument.
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