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.
Another composer that cannot be left out is the 19th century Hungarian composer and piano virtuoso Franz Liszt. He was known throughout Europe in the 19th century as a pianist of great technical ability, and he was even apparently mentioned as the greatest pianist of all time. Anticipating ideas from the 20th century, his music was a sep ahead of many others’, and he was included in the “Neudeutsche Schule” (“New German School”), also formulating some vital advancements to musical form, like the symphonic poem and the thematic transformation.
Another composer and pianist worth mentioning is the Russian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, who was born in 1873. Though his early compositions did not meet many people’s tastes at the time, he was nonetheless renowned for being a skilled pianist. The criticism of his early work caused him to stop writing for a while, but he made a comeback with a much matured sound and became very popular. His uniquely widely spaced chords and the bell like sounds they made were distinctive of him, and due to his famously big hands.
There was a very famous polish pianist named Frdric Chopin. He was famous for his extremely technically demanding pieces. He was considered a child prodigy due to his showing such great skill at a very early age. Though he only played a few public performances, earning a living by teaching and composing, he became world famous.
IT is not just in the 18th and 19th century, however, that you find the greatest piano players on the planet. Because of his innovation in combining aspects of gospel, blues and soul, Ray Charles is considered a modern innovator and his greatness is due to his musical and social influence.
Anyone who wants to learn piano should do so