The Pianist Podcast

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 Yevgeny Sudbin talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his fascination with Scriabin’s soundworld, how playing live and making recordings are two totally different art forms, and why lockdown was so very tough on his soul. Plus, his one important piece of advice for amateur pianists on how to improve at the piano: Find the right teacher.

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 Kathryn Page talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about the popular Adult Amateur course at Chetham’s International Summer School for Pianists, her musically-talented family, and her student days of inspiring lessons from Yonty Solomon.

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.

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, Chloe Flower talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her new album, I Love Me More, explaining the reason behind the name and the repertoire, as well as the joys of recording it over a two-day period at the famous Abbey Road Studios. Chloe also talks about her ‘popsical’ style, why the cellist Yo-Yo Ma is her biggest living idol and how she’ll always have time for Bach.

In this podcast, Melanie Spanswick talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her various publications, including her latest releases for Schott Music, and what it’s like teaching – and writing for – adult amateur pianists. Melanie also talks about her popular ‘Adult Piano Returners’ Facebook group, championing repertoire by women composers, and she offers up advice for adult beginners and returners of all levels on how to improve their playing.To find more about Melanie Spanswick’s publications, visit schottmusiclondon.com/pianistmagazine

In this podcast, Leif Ove Andsnes talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his new album, Via Crucis, and all the repertoire – some of it well known, some less so – that we can look forward to hearing. He also touches on the importance of having a good manager, why you should learn a piano piece that’s within your technical grasp, and the spiritual side to Liszt and his music.

In this podcast, pianist and teacher Ann Martin-Davis talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her summer course for amateur pianists in southwest France. Ann also discusses the pros of teaching the adult returnee – her star pupil being Ray Eveleigh who passed his Grade 8 at the age of 88! – and her passion for the piano music of Ravel.

In this podcast, Margaret Fingerhut talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her new album, Ukraine – a Portrait, and all the repertoire – most of it heartbreakingly beautiful – that we can look forward to discovering. She also offers up a wealth of piano-playing advice – from getting to know your left-hand part inside out, the importance of micro-practising, and how to make a real ‘story’ out of a short piece.

In this podcast, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her new album, Fantasies, which combines works by Debussy, Chopin and Scriabin with African American composers Florence Price, Margaret Bonds and William Grant Still. Jeneba talks about the desire to create an improvisatory style within Chopin’s Nocturnes, what it’s like growing up in a family of musically talented siblings, and why Yuja Wang is her biggest idol.

In this podcast, the Italian pianist Margherita Torretta talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about the keyboard works of the Late-English Baroque composer, Elisabetta De Gambarini. Having recently recorded De Gambarini’s complete keyboard works for Piano Classics, Margherita shares her thoughts on how to play them on a modern-day concert-grand Steinway, and with the necessary improvisations.She also offers up valuable learning tips on De Gambarini’s energetic Tambourin score which appears inside Pianist No 143, out on 21 March. Finally, she talks candidly about her own personal tragedy, and how she managed to turn her life around to become to a professional pianist.

In this Pianist Podcast, the American pianist Sarah Cahill talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her upcoming recital at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on Saturday 8 March, as part of International Women’s Day.Entitled The Future is Female, the six-hour ‘marathon’ performance explores music for solo piano by women composers from the Baroque to the present day. There are sure to be some very unfamiliar names within her programme, which will surely inspire piano lovers in search of hidden gems! Tune in to hear what Sarah says about the repertoire, and about her quest for bringing these neglected women composers into the limelight… at long last.

In the first episode of The Pianist Podcast, British pianist Charles Owen shares his unique perspective on Schumann with Pianist editor Erica Worth, revealing a fun-loving, big-hearted side to the composer that often gets overshadowed by his tortured persona. Charles discusses the personal lessons he’s learned from recording Schumann's music and offers advice for pianists looking to explore beyond the usual pieces like Kinderszenen.Charles also opens up about his dual passion for performing and teaching, his love for collaborating with other musicians, and the importance of being a “late developer” in his career. He reflects on how his exceptional teachers helped shape his artistry and how he maintains balance between intense practice and personal life.Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!