The piano has been around for centuries, and in that time, many musicians have stood out as the best of the best. Whether they were playing solo or accompanying singers, these pianists are known for their abilities to play beautifully and expressively. Here is a list of some of the most notable pianists who ever lived.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1756 and was recognized as a child prodigy. At the age of five, he began his formal musical training on the piano under Leopold Mozart (a notable composer himself). He would write many pieces for the solo piano throughout his career, including numerous sonatas. His later works included operatic compositions.

Franz Liszt

Liszt was born in Hungary in 1811. He began his musical training at the age of eight, and by thirteen, he had already made a public debut as an artist. Throughout his life, Liszt would be known for having perfected all forms of piano music, including solo works, chamber pieces, concertos, symphonic poems, and opera transcriptions.

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff was born in Russia in 1873. He began his musical training at the age of four, and by 11, he had already composed several piano pieces that were publicly performed. Later on, he would go on to study at the Moscow Conservatory with Nikolai Zverev (a teacher who also taught Scriabin) while also studying under Nikolai Dahl (a teacher who trained Taneyev and Scriabin). His later works included compositions for orchestra.

Artur Rubinstein

Rubinstein was born in Poland in 1887. He began his musical training at the age of six, and by ten, he had already become a piano prodigy after showings throughout Europe. Later on Rubinstein would go on to study with Theodor Leschetizky who also taught Hofmann, Rachmaninoff, Sauer, Friedman and Gabrilowitsch. His later works included compositions for cello and orchestra and playing chamber music with other famous musicians of the time, such as violinist Bronislaw Huberman and Gregor Piatigorsky (a cellist).

Vladimir Horowitz
Horowitz was born in Russia in 1903. Horowitz began his musical training at the age of five, and by seven, he had already played his first recital for an audience. Later on, he would study with Vladimir Sokoloff, who taught Sofronitsky (who studied under Rubinstein), Moiseiwitsch, Flere, Friedmann, and Schnabel. His later works included orchestra, chorus, piano solo, and two pianos!