I would like to share some stories about Lazar Berman. Over 20 years ago, I attended his masterclass where he shared some anecdotes that I still remember to this day. 1. Berman mentioned that when he was about two years old, his mother had already trained him to become a pianist. Berman’s mother was also a pianist; however, her career could not go further due to a hearing illness. She would massage Berman’s fingers daily to keep them nimble and prepare him for learning the piano. 2. An Italian publisher once approached Berman to edit a series of Liszt's works. Berman politely declined due to a lack of time. Surprisingly, the publisher said, "Actually, we just need your name on the cover; we don't really need you to do anything." I was lucky enough to have chance to attended his masterclass. Memories bring joy when I edited this video.
Fantastic performance! Extremely clean; like many versions a bit too fast for my taste in some places, but I like his unusually dry style of playing and the way he phrases the 2-note slurs very clearly. But still, when it comes to the rinforzandos in the "leggiero molto" section, no one can come close to Sultanov.
I would like to share some stories about Lazar Berman. Over 20 years ago, I attended his masterclass where he shared some anecdotes that I still remember to this day.
1. Berman mentioned that when he was about two years old, his mother had already trained him to become a pianist. Berman’s mother was also a pianist; however, her career could not go further due to a hearing illness. She would massage Berman’s fingers daily to keep them nimble and prepare him for learning the piano.
2. An Italian publisher once approached Berman to edit a series of Liszt's works. Berman politely declined due to a lack of time. Surprisingly, the publisher said, "Actually, we just need your name on the cover; we don't really need you to do anything."
I was lucky enough to have chance to attended his masterclass. Memories bring joy when I edited this video.
Fantastic performance! Extremely clean; like many versions a bit too fast for my taste in some places, but I like his unusually dry style of playing and the way he phrases the 2-note slurs very clearly. But still, when it comes to the rinforzandos in the "leggiero molto" section, no one can come close to Sultanov.