The face of an angel, the fingers of a demon. The charge is not without some merit.
Conservatories tend to churn out perfect pianists who are imperfect musicians.
Few are willing to take risks or put the imprint of personality on their playing. But to hear the whining of reactionaries, no living pianist is worthy of turning the pages of a Vladimir Horowitz or Arthur Rubinstein. This broad-brush dismissal of today's pianists just doesn't wash. Consider Martha Argerich, whose playing is ferocious, impulsive, and technically astounding. Argerich inspires fireworks the moment she walks onstage.