A Pianist Who Plays Around With the Classics
Piano students all know tales of legendary musicians who could create breathtaking improvisations on the spot. Bach, Mozart and Beethoven allowed others to put them to the test with unprepared themes, and even took on challengers in improvisation duels akin to what jazz musicians call "cutting contests."
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Improving the Image of Improv: A classical pianist enjoys jazzing things up
Improvisation is a rarity in the classical world, where pianists are sometimes faulted for taking liberties with the rhythm. The 36-year-old Montero, who has had an international concert career, is eager to take the risk. Her first album included pieces by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and others, along with her improvisations on them.
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The Girls of Fall
Jazz players are known for their improv skills, but Venezuelan concert pianist Gabriela Montero brings that concept to classical music. “In my work, I’m in complete free-fall,” she says. “I have no clue where I’m going or what’s going to happen.
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Queen of improvisation
Gabriela Montero sits at the piano, taps out the bare melody line, pauses and stares at the ceiling through her flowing blond hair and then plays the tune, complete with harmony.
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