LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Cziffra

AndyD -- 07/08/2007, 08:23:35 -- #35731

The reknowned classical pianist liked to play jazz in his spare time. Here is a link to him improvising Tea for Two http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr3FNUO4h3U What do you people think of his playing & style? And yes, he obviously has speedy fingers! Regards Andy

hepcatmonk -- 07/08/2007, 12:45:00 -- #35731

Thanks for posting it - I was surprised that he played. I didn't think it sounded very good. Time was bad, and a lot of tasteless tricks were employed to just play fast. Harmonically I didn't like what he was going for, either. Art Tatum's use of harmony is a lot more interesting, if we can compare them as a part of the same time period of solo piano style. Still, interesting to hear. In classical music, I really love his playing. hm

AndyD -- 07/08/2007, 14:30:49 -- #35731

I've listened to it maybe 10 times now trying to get the feel of what he was going for.  I found it interesting, and astounding for speed. Beyond that, it neither sounds nor feels good to me.  Jarrett is known for bending time, but here I was hard pushed to hear three bars played at the same rate.  It's very disjointed. You mentioned Tatum; over on Larry's 'Pianofacts Forum' in the Jazz section I posted links to five versions of Tatum playing T42, all of which are musically superior.   Regards Andy

jmkarns -- 07/08/2007, 19:37:21 -- #35731

what I heard was a masterful classical pianist taking a stab at the Jazz idiom.  Nothing wrong with that.  But I don't think he has the game of Tatum or Oscar Peterson.  A reminder too that slow passages can be played in Jazz that are tasteful and elegant enough without hurky jerky cadences.

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