“The piano plays a central role in Prokofiev’s oeuvre. Not only are his works for piano solo or piano with orchestra numerous, but they also rank among his more important compositions. The piano was the first instrument Prokofiev heard and the only one he mastered.”

—  Boris Berman

Prokofiev’s piano sonatas : a guide for the listener and the performer (2008), Prokofiev the pianist

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update March 4, 2023. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "The piano plays a central role in Prokofiev’s oeuvre. Not only are his works for piano solo or piano with orchestra num…" by Boris Berman?
Boris Berman photo
Boris Berman 16
Russian/American musician 1948

Related quotes

“Within the vast, virtually limitless piano repertoire, the piano sonatas of Sergei Prokofiev occupy a special place. Apart from Alexander Scriabin early in the century, Prokofiev was the only major twentieth-century composer to pay such consistent attention to the form, … They are a constant presence in concert programs and are considered an indispensable part of the repertoire by almost every serious concert pianist.”

Boris Berman (1948) Russian/American musician

Prokofiev’s piano sonatas : a guide for the listener and the performer (2008), Preface

Joe Zawinul photo

“An instrument is not important. It is the way one plays that is important. Instruments don’t play by themselves. A piano is certainly not a better instrument than a synthesizer, but if a synthesizer is played like a piano, it becomes a very bad instrument. It doesn’t work. You can’t play a trumpet like a violin—it doesn’t go. That’s the problem—the players, not the instrument. Any instrument is a wonderful thing.”

Joe Zawinul (1932–2007) austrian composer and pianist

On how a musician's way of playing is important
Prasad interview (1997)

Arthur Schopenhauer photo

“A man of intellect is like an artist who gives a concert without any help from anyone else, playing on a single instrument — a piano, say, which is a little orchestra in itself. Such a man is a little world in himself; and the effect produced by various instruments together, he produces single-handed, in the unity of his own consciousness. Like the piano, he has no place in a symphony; he is a soloist and performs by himself — in solitude, it may be; or if in the company with other instruments, only as principal; or for setting the tone, as in singing.”

Arthur Schopenhauer book Parerga and Paralipomena

Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), Counsels and Maxims

Victor Borge photo

“I learned to play the piano on my mother's knee - that was before we got a piano.”

Victor Borge (1909–2000) Danish and US-American comedian and musician

From the obit in the Boston Globe.
Quotations from Borge's performances
Source: Richard Dyer, "Laughter Was at the Heart of Victor Borge's Many Talents", Boston Globe, 29 December 2000

Cassandra Clare photo

“What would you give someone who likes to play the piano?”
“A piano.”
“Simon.”
“A really huge metronome that could also double as a weapon?”

Cassandra Clare book City of Heavenly Fire

Source: City of Heavenly Fire

Rachel Trachtenburg photo

“I'm learning to play piano. And also the musical saw.”

Rachel Trachtenburg (1993) American musician

On learning to play new instruments ( Teen Vogue http://www.slideshowplayers.com/press/Teenvogue_feb07.html)

Elton John photo

“He is Mr Piano Man, I am Miss Piano Man.”

Elton John (1947) English rock singer-songwriter, composer and pianist

on touring with Billy Joel
Sixty things for Sir Elton's 60th (2007)

Joe Hisaishi photo

“I actually don't like playing the piano or conducting the orchestra. There is always an exchange of energies, which is not even. It's one against 80.”

Joe Hisaishi (1950) Japanese composer and musician

Joe Hisaishi, who wrote music for Hayao Miyazaki's films https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/article/1780283/studio-ghibli-composer-joe-hisaishi-talks-about-how,South China Morning Post

Lang Lang photo

“I'd play the piano at 5am.”

Lang Lang (1982) Chinese pianist

theguardian.com http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/may/14/lang-lang-piano-china-father

“With his masterclass on piano playing, László Gyimesi helps to preserve the great romantic tradition of piano playing. A relaxed piano technique without unnecessary tensions allows us to express our thoughts and feelings almost directly. Every pianist can come closer to this ideal. His masterclass is extremely valuable in that respect – it can unleash great potential in every pianist.”

László Gyimesi (1948) Hungarian musician

Martin Stadtfeld ( Hungarian Piano Tradition http://onlinepianomasterclass.com)
About

Related topics