The Pianist Podcast

In this podcast, composer Will Bates speaks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his score for the film Tuner. He also talks about working with actors Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall, how he developed a unique sound using mallet-triggered MIDI devices attached to a ‘lobotomized’ piano, and why it’s important to understand the power of silence in film scoring.

In this podcast, Mark Viner talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his continued commitment to recording the complete piano music of Charles-Valentin Alkan. He also talks about the pros of being a later starter at the piano, the importance of teaching, and why an appreciation of harmony is essential for all pianists.

In this podcast, Isata Kanneh-Mason talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her latest all-Prokofiev recording, which has just been released on the Decca label. She also chats about her passion for bringing classical music to the young people of Antigua, growing up in a family of seven talented siblings, and why she’d love to have played for Chopin.

As Chetham’s International Piano Summer School turns 25 this summer, founder Murray McLachlan talks to Erica Worth about his ongoing passion for creating a special place for all types of pianists. He also shares his thoughts on how to overcome technical hurdles, why we should all love every single note we play, and why we really need to listen… even to the silences.

With clients including Mitsuko Uchida, Paul Lewis and Sir András Schiff, ‘tuner to the stars’ Ulrich Gerhartz talks to Erica Worth about his role as Director, Concert and Artists Services, Steinway & Sons – a profession he’s been proudly enjoying for exactly 40 years.

In this podcast, Danny Driver talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his current Variation Series at London’s Wigmore Hall. He also discusses what it was like to have lessons with Maria Curcio, why he’s passionate about Ligeti, and how he’d have loved to play for Rachmaninov.

In this podcast, Graham Fitch talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about the joys of teaching all types of pianists and why he always knew that teaching was his vocation. He also discusses how he helps other piano teachers improve their own teaching methods, why he loves being a judge for music festivals across the UK, plus he offers up invaluable advice for amateurs on how to improve.

In this podcast, Marc-André Hamelin chats with Pianist editor Erica Worth about his latest release for Hyperion Records, Found Objects / Sound Objects. Marc also talks about how he would have loved to play for Liszt, why understanding Theory is of the utmost importance for all musicians, and why he’s not yet ready to tackle the Chopin Préludes.

In this podcast, Ivana Gavrić talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her upcoming release,Throwback to Dance, which includes an assortment of solo works by Grieg, Ravel, Chaminade,Pejačević and Cheryl Frances-Hoad. We will also find out what she likes to eat before giving aperformance, the reasons why she’s not yet ready to tackle Brahms, and why it’s so important toimmerse oneself in all art forms – whether it be visiting a museum or listening to an opera. Herbiggest piece of playing advice? Remember to ‘breathe’.

In this podcast, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his latest album, the Complete Works of Ravel, which was released in April this year to tie in with the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth. Bavouzet talks about the musical differences between Ravel and Debussy, why Haydn always puts him in a great mood, and how his biggest hobby in life has always been model railways! His one piece of advice for aspiring amateur pianists? Practise every day – even if just for 15 minutes.

In this podcast, harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about what makes the C major Prelude from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1 such a work of art, how it’s OK to play Bach with rubato, and why Bach shouldn’t be put on a pedestal. Plus, Mahan’s two biggest pieces of advice for amateur pianists: Have an achievable goal at each practice session, and always write in your fingerings!

In this podcast Daniel Grimwood talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about learning Henselt’s complete etudes during lockdown, how his inspiring piano lessons with Peter Feuchtwanger ‘saved’ him, and why Schubert and Liszt are his dessert island composers.

In this podcast, the American pianist and composer Josh Cavazos talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his new piano and cello duet anthem, Prayers for Cassie. The piece was inspired by his friend Cassie’s battle with cancer and her story of hope and perseverance. Josh believes that the music and his mission will be of inspiration for others who are experiencing cancer.