Daniel Barenboim (pianist and conductor)
Daniel Barenboim (photo: Richard Schuster)
Daniel Barenboim has had many careers: child prodigy, mature pianist, superb conductor and, now, elder statesman, whose influence transcends the world of music. This year has been Beethoven Year for Barenboim and, whether at the keyboard for the sonatas and concertos or on the podium for the symphonies, he always has something of interest to impart.
This year, Barenboim was inducted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame and Lang Lang paid tribute to him thus: 'He is a colossus in the world of music – long may he continue to share his musicianship, courage and deep humanity with us all.'
A particularly notable recording this year was Barenboim's take on the Liszt concertos with the Staatskapelle Berlin and Pierre Boulez conducting. This disc was a Gramophone Choice in the January 2012 issue and you can read the review here: Liszt Piano Concertos.
Is Daniel Barenboim your favourite artist of 2012? Register your vote now at the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2012 voting page.
