Piano Master Grigory (Christian) Zimerman Admits He Still Has Pre-Concert Nightmares at 70
Creatrip Team
7 months ago
Polish-born piano legend Christian Zimerman, who won the 1975 Chopin Competition at 18 and has collaborated with maestros like Karajan and Bernstein, told Korea Economic Daily he lives to move audiences with beautiful music: “If I can make the audience cry with a beautiful piece, I’ll do anything.” Known for touring with his own piano parts (keyboard action) and strict recording/photo bans, Zimerman explained his concert practice: he often finalizes programs only at the venue and collects short pieces—over 150—arranged as 24 preludes inspired by Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. He says he’s not a perfectionist but deeply curious, once tracing a tonal issue from hammer design to felt to sheep’s wool. Childhood memories of a piano at home shaped his devotion. Even at 70 he still has pre-concert nightmares and questions whether to continue performing, recalling a moving moment when an aging pianist’s falter made Zimerman resolve to touch audiences emotionally. He advises young players to learn from mistakes and praises their technical and informational advantages today.
