Who among the classical pianist has the most influence in today's music?

Answer 1

Definatly Bach, or actually the Baroque period as a whole. So much of their influence can be seen in all of music today. The basso-continuo from Pachbell's cannon in D is in several pop songs as their main chord progression. Musicians have even taken baroque songs (such as JS Bach's minuet) and just put words to them, not even changing the melody.

Answer 2

I'd say the venerable Alfred Brendel. Before him were Artur Rubenstein and Rudolf Serkin.

For a younger generation, Stephen Hough. How he blends speed, accuracy and feeling amazes me.

For flair, Horowitz. Among living artists, Andre Watts.

For a player and a pedagogue (teacher), Garrick Ohllson.

For most in need of a better haircut, Radu Lupu. Plays beautifully, though.

Answer 3

Gawd, you know how to open up a can of worms, eh?

Can you specificy what you mean by 'today's music'? If you mean what is popular today, no concert pianist has any influence at all. If you mean who is of great influence within the discipline, that's another story...

Answer 4

Ignace Jan Paderewski

Answer 5

If you mean:
- By pianist: a composer who wrote for the piano or was adapted to piano;
- By today's music: today's classical (non-pop, non-rap, non-jazz, non-shalalalala, etc.)
then I'd say mainly Bach (formal research, abstract inspiration, geometry,...); In case of pop, rock, shalalalala et alia, I'd say none.

If by pianist you mean a piano player, no doubt, Glenn Gould.

Answer 6

Beethoven because although it isn't used very often in today's music, his music still appears in movies and tv etc

Answer 7

If for me, I'll say Pachelbel. Look at how many times Canon in D hath been played or borrowed.