I love David Lanz- who else should I listen to?

Question

I love David Lanz' piano solos but I don't have any idea what else is out there in the way of piano-based instrumental music. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It's a good thing you came into the classical section -- there is still time for you to be saved.

I suggest you find a recording of Chopin Nocturnes for starters.

Find a nice recording of Beethovens "Moonlight" Sonata (Opus 27 #2) -- it is popular and easy to find.

Find Debussy's "Suite Bergamasque" -- all the pieces are fine, but the one you will recognize is "Claire de Lune". Another Debussy piece you will like is "Jardins sous le Pluie" (Gardens in the Rain) from "Estampes". This is one of those great "water pieces" that the French impressionists are so famous for. Two other pieces of this type are Debussy's "Reflets dans l'Eau" (Reflections on the Water" and Ravel's "Jeux d'Eau" (Water Games)

Here are some decent youtube recordings of the last three to get you started::
Jardins sous le Pluie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiRAvirywts
Reflets dans l'Eau
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpQl1cCl8
Jeux d'Eau
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPP-WQnqFzI&mode=related&search=

Once you get a taste of what the piano is really capable of, I hope you will never be satisfied with David Lanz again. But it's OK if you still want to listen to him -- just don't tell me about it!! :-)