Who is the best pianist in the 20th century?

Explore the captivating spectrum of piano greatness, where you’ll find renowned virtuosos, soulful interpreters, and some surprise favorites that might challenge the classics. Dive in and discover which extraordinary talent resonates with you—who will you champion?

1

Vladimir Horowitz

Renowned for his virtuosic technique and expressive playing

2

Wilhelm Kempff

Famous for his lyrical style and recordings of Beethoven

3

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Acclaimed pianist and conductor, known for his interpretations of Russian composers

4

Glenn Gould

Known for unique interpretations of Bach, especially The Well-Tempered Clavier

5

Emil Gilels

Pioneered the Russian piano tradition with expressive performances

6

Martha Argerich

Acclaimed for her passionate playing and technical brilliance

7

Ivo Pogorelich

Known for his unconventional interpretations and dramatic performances

8

Claudio Arrau

Renowned for his deep musical insight and expansive repertoire

9

Artur Schnabel

First to record all Beethoven piano sonatas, known for his interpretations

10

Maurizio Pollini

Known for his precision and interpretations of 20th-century music

11

Murray Perahia

Acclaimed for his interpretations of Bach and Mozart

12

Lang Lang

Famous for his charismatic performances and global popularity

13

Sviatoslav Richter

Celebrated for his powerful performances and wide repertoire

14

Krystian Zimerman

Known for his meticulous interpretations and performances of Chopin

15

Evgeny Kissin

Child prodigy turned acclaimed pianist known for his virtuosity

16

Yuja Wang

Known for her virtuosic technique and dynamic stage presence

17

Daniil Trifonov

Acclaimed for his technical skill and expressive interpretations

18

Van Cliburn

Won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1958

19

Mitsuko Uchida

Acclaimed for her interpretations of Mozart and Schubert

20

Daniel Barenboim

Acclaimed pianist and conductor, known for his interpretations of Wagner

21

Rudolf Serkin

Pioneered the American piano tradition, known for his Beethoven interpretations

22

Grigory Sokolov

Celebrated for his deep musicality and technical prowess

23

Byron Janis

Known for his performances of Chopin and Rachmaninoff

24

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Known for his technical precision and interpretative depth

25

Leon Fleisher

Renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven and Brahms

26

Alicia de Larrocha

Renowned for her interpretations of Spanish music, especially Albeniz

27

András Schiff

Known for his performances of Bach, Beethoven, and Schubert

28

Radu Lupu

Renowned for his poetic interpretations and unique sound

29

Arthur Rubinstein

Famous for interpretations of Chopin and romantic repertoire

30

Shura Cherkassky

Celebrated for his unique interpretations and colorful playing

31

Alfred Brendel

Known for his interpretations of Beethoven and Schubert

32

John Ogdon

Known for his interpretations of British composers and virtuosic playing