I have a rediculous question but I always here these terms used and I am not sure of the difference regarding the ranks of the pianist. What is the difference between Amateur pianist, Concert Pianist, Professional Pianist, and virtuoso pianist. I know i am an amateur. Is there anything wrong with that becuase I here people use it in a negatur way when they say "ugh, AMATEURS!"
Terms explained Everyone has to start somewhere Jennifer! Anyway, I guess you can say that an amateur pianist is one who plays piano for enjoyment. Any performances given are not for pay (generally speaking). A concert pianist also has a love for piano, and as a result, performs at different venues for pay. Usually, a concert pianist will also teach music. Finally, a virtuoso pianist is one who has thoroughly mastered techniques of piano performance, and gives effortless performances of the most difficult pieces. If these definitions are inaccurate, someone please correct me!
Umm so what are Li Yundi, Lang Lang and Vladimir Horowtiz referred to as? Virtuoso or professional. (No disrespect)
I don't know. I'm not much a friend of stereotyped thinking. Can you tell me where you read about these "catergories" of pianists ?
I see professional and virtuoso as interchangeable. Professionals do it as a living, however they don't play for big venues and big orchestras like Philharmonic. Also professionals may just play chamber music at a festival, or accompany, or give a recital at a college with a Master Class... however virtuosos are known to do these things as well, and be consumate teachers and advocates for the art. Vituoso is to me more of an honorary title one earns with celebrity and public acknowledgement, after winning awards, playing big halls, etc... The only one of those distinctions with an actual meaning rooted in the word is Amateur... which is french for "one who loves..." To me this is more meaningful than "professional" ! sounds like a window cleaner...
