Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli stands as a beacon of excellence and devotion to the craft of piano playing. Renowned for his technical mastery, profound musicianship, and unwavering fidelity to the composer's intentions, Michelangeli's musical genius has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. As an ardent admirer, I find his unwavering pursuit of perfection an endless source of inspiration. In this blog post, I will delve into his remarkable qualities, his commitment to his art, and his impact on my musical journey. ( See my post on Zen and the Art of Archery)
The Maestro's approach to music and commitment to perfection profoundly embodies Zen principles. Indeed! Like Zen philosophy, he embraced a deep sense of mindfulness and focus in his performances, immersing himself completely in the present moment. His attention to every detail, from the precise execution of each note to the exploration of the music's emotional depths, reflected a profound level of concentration and awareness. Michelangeli's dedication to honing his craft and his unwavering pursuit of excellence mirror the Zen principle of continuous improvement and the pursuit of mastery. Through his music, he invited listeners to experience a sense of tranquillity, serenity, and profound connection, echoing harmony and unity. In all aspects of his artistry, Michelangeli's embodiment of these principles leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the transformative power of focus, discipline, and embracing the present moment.
Technique and Sonorities.
Michelangeli's technical prowess on the piano is widely acknowledged as unmatched. His impeccable precision, clarity, and control over every aspect of his performance set him apart from his contemporaries. His fingers effortlessly manipulated the keys with unparalleled finesse, whether executing intricate runs, demanding passages, or delicate trills. Listening to his performances, one can't help but be mesmerized by the crystalline clarity and purity of his sonorities, which he meticulously crafted to perfection.
Profound Musicianship and Interpretation.
Beyond his technical brilliance, Michelangeli possessed an extraordinary musical sensibility that allowed him to breathe life into every note he played. His deeply thoughtful interpretations revealed a profound understanding of the music's emotional essence. He could penetrate the composer's intentions, unravel the layers of complexity within a piece, and convey its most authentic meaning to his listeners. His performances were characterized by their depth, sensitivity, and uncanny ability to transport audiences into the world of the composition.
Unwavering Fidelity to the Score.
One of Michelangeli's most remarkable qualities was his absolute and unconditional fidelity to the score. He regarded the composer's intentions as sacrosanct, and his performances were meticulous renditions of the original composition. He respected the composers and their creations by adhering closely to the score. His commitment to authenticity allowed him to breathe life into the music while staying true to the intended vision, resulting in awe-inspiring and intellectually stimulating performances.
Analysing Michelangeli's Audio and Video Documents.
For more than 50 years, I have been a faithful admirer of Michelangeli's work. I was drawn to every available film and video document featuring his performances. Analysing these visual resources became an invaluable learning experience. By slowing down and sometimes freezing the videos, I meticulously studied his hand, arm, and body positions, seeking to uncover the secrets behind his remarkable technique and interpretative choices. These visual insights allowed me to understand better his playing style, his physicality at the piano, and the nuances that made his performances exceptional. Nevertheless, I avoided becoming overly fanatical and obsessed with him.
The Inspiring Teacher.
Hearing Michelangeli "live" and his recorded performances became the most inspiring teachings I could have asked for. I absorbed invaluable lessons of precision, musicality, and unwavering dedication. As I immersed myself in his artistry, I was captivated by the sheer brilliance and craft emanating from his playing. He became a virtual mentor who guided me through the intricacies of piano playing, imparting invaluable lessons that transcended time and space. Observing him fuelled my desire to strive for excellence and pushed me to refine my technique, deepen my musical understanding, and approach each piece with the utmost integrity.
Hearing this phenomenon live was an experience I will write about later.
One of the most profound lessons I learned from Michelangeli's performances was the importance of precision. His flawless technique and meticulous attention to detail were evident in every note he played. The way he executed each passage with unwavering accuracy was a constant reminder of the significance of mastering the technical aspects of piano playing. His performances became a blueprint for cultivating a refined and controlled touch, inspiring me to dedicate countless hours to perfecting my technique.
Michelangeli's renderings also instilled in me a profound understanding of the essence of musicality. His ability to communicate the music, evoking a wide range of emotions, was awe-inspiring. Whether it was the delicate nuances and form of a Scarlatti or Beethoven Sonata, a Debussy Prelude, Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit or the dramatic intensity of Rachmaninoff’s 4th Piano concerto, he had a remarkable gift for connecting with the soul of the music and conveying its emotional depth. He made it clear that true musicality goes beyond the mere execution of notes; it requires a profound connection to the music and a willingness to express its inherent beauty.
Unwavering dedication. His commitment to his craft was unwavering, evident in every meticulously crafted performance. He deeply respected the composers and their intentions, approaching each piece with reverence and integrity. This steadfast dedication was a constant reminder that pursuing musical excellence requires discipline, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Observing Michelangeli's artistry live during recitals inspired me and many colleagues to strive for technical proficiency and musicality and shape our approach to music with the utmost integrity. His fidelity to the score taught me the importance of faithfully understanding and conveying the composer's intentions to the audience. It reinforced the idea that as musicians, we are not mere interpreters but custodians of the composer's vision, entrusted with bringing their music to life with authenticity and respect.
More on his recording legacy here.
My family in Brescia had the privilege of owning one of Michelangeli's Steinways. To achieve his delicate touch he kept the weight of the keys very low (15 g on the middle c) and the escarpment so close to the strings that sometimes the hammer would jam against the strings. Regards. Max
L'ode al Maestro più sentita di sempre.❤❤❤