Pollini

Maurizio Pollini was my musical idol.

A talented genius who devoted his life to music in a unique career that spanned over several decades and greatly influenced the evolution of piano playing by consistently showcasing an impeccable technique and profound musicianship which few ever got close to.

At 18, after becoming the first Westerner ever to win the Chopin competition in Poland, Artur Rubinstein, who was chairman of the jury, declared that Pollini played better than himself or anybody present at the jury.

And when the world opened up to him after this and he got engagement offers from the greatest theaters around the world, instead of embarking on year-long tours, he made a decision that most mature people wouldn’t be able to make: he retired from the stage for a couple of years to perfect himself.

That is an example of how Pollini led his life. His commitment to nothing but excellence made him a true living legend during his lifetime.

Several of his albums have been in my collection and playing over and over again on loop for years. I only had one chance to hear him perform live, some 15 years ago at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. It was a remarkable experience.

Maurizio Pollini passed away yesterday, at age 82. The entire musical community mourns him.

Today, I´m sharing a few recordings of my favorite recordings of him on the top of my Classical piano playlist. You can listen to them here.

Enjoy, and have a great day.