My high school years ( early 60s) were filled with Peter Nero. Stole some of stuff when fooling around on the piano. He was an original, and still at it! Went to his concert I Syracuse NY during the time.
My favorite pianist of all time. My favorite piece of music ever is Rhapsody in Blue played by Nero and Fidler/Boston Pops. I still have a lot of his vinyl albums!
PETER NERO is one of the greatest of his and subsequent generations ... my wife's family took him in back in the 60's, while he was on a grueling national tour. He stayed for one evening. My young wife performed for Mr. Nero. He had just performed at Shippensburg State College, in South Central Pennsylvania. Her father, Dr. Steck, was a Professor of Literature. The Steck family often allowed free lodging in their home downtown at 118 E. King St. Daughter Sally was only 8 years old. She was astonished by Peter's young piano technique and expression as am I, whenever I watch any of these video captures of Peter Nero's performances! Very nice man, too! Looks effortless, but even Mozart admitted that if you work/practice harder than your fellow man, then the rewards will ultimately astound not only you, but the public at large. He was THAT GOOD!!!
I was a full time professional pianist for twenty years, (nowhere as good as Mr. Nero), and I'm now composing music for film and stage. It was Peter Nero who inspired me to beg my parents for a piano when I was thirteen years old. I finally got to see him in concert ten or twelve years ago in Michigan. Best...concert...ever.
Dazzling talent! Thank you so much for posting this. Sad to mention that Peter Nero passed away on July 6 - a full life, lived to 89. Nice obituary in the NYTimes. Hoping that more of his music and appearances are posted here on RUclips. He always seemed to love what he was doing at the piano - and also with the Philly Pops.
Amazing pianist... SOOOOOOOOOOO underrated.... As a professional pianist myself, Peter is one of the best... Especially in the genre of pseudo classical music.... Amazing talent....
Driving across desert at midnight I saw a limo broken. My wife & I were going to a Rose Bowl game next day. I turned around. Nero & his band members were stranded & freezing. I gave him my grandma's 2 quilts, & drove a ways to get a phone. (1965 I think) On way back I stopped & told him help was coming. He also was going to OSU bowl game. At game he had her quilts cleaned & folded. He offered to have us join him in his 50 yard line box. And 10 seconds later "REX" sprinting onto the field nodded at me. I was Lancaster's heavy weight wrestler & played FB too. Nero was very nice.
I forgot how great he was & still going strong at age 80..Bravo Peter!...I remember you when you were Bernie...I played at Jilly's too in the late 60's opposite Bobby Cole..
Saw him when I was a teenager (learning the piano) in the 1970s. I left the concert hall in stunned silence. I'd simply never heard the piano played like that.
I have nominated Peter Nero for a Lincoln Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award. It's high time this honor be bestowed upon Mr. Nero. May I recommend that all of you do the same and maybe we will one day soon see this deserved honor go to Peter.
I know I'm gonna anger a few with this comment, but here goes. There are so many great pianists in the world, past and present, and I do have my favorites, but Peter Nero is truly one of a kind. Peter Nero is to the piano what Buddy Rich was to the drums. They were both from another planet. What a phenomenal talent. If I had to choose only one guy to be able to play like, it would be Peter Nero, hands down.
I still have his first album "Peter Nero Plays Songs You Won't Forget." I wish it was in CD. The album had some terrific songs which has the "Nero" touch. FANTASTIC!
Hi, Zelda. I also saw him live with the trio at C W Post College the summer of 1966 (also a hundred years ago). Among other pieces, he played "It's all right with me". It literally knocked my socks off and brought down the house. IMHO, truly the GOAT.
Shows what a nerd I am: While others were idolizing the Beatles, etc., I was emulating Peter Nero---unsuccessfully, although I was a busy wedding/Bar-Mitzvah pianist in New York City.
As a pianist and absolute pianophile, I don't know how I could have avoided hearing anything by Peter Nero for 45 years. This was finally rectified by listening to Jazz Record Requests on Radio 3 (in the UK) last night. For anyone else who wondered what the first piece was based on, it was Schubert's unfinished symphony.
I've wondered that myself. I think he was sort of drowned out. In the "pop piano" space, Liberace---that great showman whom I also respect as a very good musician in his own way---simply drew all the attention at about the same time despite the fact that Nero was light years better as a pure pianist. In the jazz space, there were many brilliant African American performers who drew more attention including Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good. Though Nero probably could have competed with the likes of Horowitz and Czifra had he gone in that direction, he really didn't go quite that way. Certainly Peter Nero was famous but until recently I can't say I ever really listened to him. At least it's some comfort that I wasn't the only one who missed out.
Stephen Berman "In the jazz space, there were many brilliant African American performers who drew more attention including Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good." Not even Nero believes he's "as good" as Art Tatum or Oscar Peterson." Not to mention the fact that Nero isn't a jazz pianist and has never played a note of jazz in his life. "Though Nero probably could have competed with the likes of Horowitz and Czifra had he gone in that direction, he really didn't go quite that way." "Not quite," huh. Hilarious!
sixkatz No pianist is going to claim to be as great as Tatum or Peterson. But when Ray Charles was asked who was his favorite pianist in a Keyboard magazine interview he said "Art Tatum could play anything he wanted to," Charles replied, "...and Peter Nero [also] plays his buns off!" So, even though he mentioned Tatum first, he mentioned Nero in the same breath. So it is not unreasonable to compare them. Now that I started listening to some things online by Nero, I’ve read many comments saying that Nero should be considered to be in the group of really great jazz pianists. Also, as far as Nero “has never played a note of jazz in his life”, Jazz has a broad meaning. Pandora radio lists Nero under “piano jazz.” It also gives a biography which says, among other things, “after Nierow [Nero’s original name] finished studying music at Brooklyn College, he became a jazz pianist. However, instead of playing straight jazz, he created a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music” and “His lush orchestrated albums continued through the early '70s, when he returned to a harder jazz format, recording with a trio.” Nero was booked as a Jazz pianist on Feb 8 at University of California, Berkeley this past Feb 8 (On March 19 Chick Corea was there). On Nero’s own web site it says ““Peter Nero is, of course, known for his piano playing, covering a range from classical concert repertoire to straight-ahead jazz. His fingers stretch as far as Art Tatum’s, and he practically knows no limits on the Steinway. He is also a fine conductor” and ““Philadelphia is lucky to have him and his, by now, trademark Philly Pops,” said All About Jazz’s Victor L. Schermer on May 8, 2009.” So a knowledgeable jazz musician (Schermer) who writes on a jazz blog thinks that Nero plays jazz. Also, Gershwin’s music is considered to fall within the broad meaning of jazz and Nero is considered to be one of the best interpreters of Gershwin. All in all, there is ample evidence that Nero is, among other things, a jazz pianist. Also, it’s impossible to tell what someone of his caliber might have done had he gone in a different direction. In Nero’s Wikipedia biography it says “Constance Keene, his teacher and mentor, once wrote in an issue of Keyboard Classics, "Vladimir Horowitz was Peter's greatest fan!"” So I think his potential was evident to a rather sophisticated observer. In any case, I had already admitted that I had scarcely listened to Nero until recently and I make no claim to be an expert on music. I was just giving my opinion based on what I had read and various videos I had listened to and watched of some of his performances. You are, of course, entitled to your opinions as well.
Stephen Berman Peter Nero is a pretty damn good pop pianist. That's all. He isn't a jazz pianist and has never pretended to be. The legendary Tatum is one of a handful of the great jazz musicians ever. Although Peterson is a lesser figure in this comparison, he still lays fair claim to an honored place in jazz history. "Jazz has a broad meaning." Not when you try to plug a pop figure into it! Don't be ridiculous. As here: "Pandora radio lists Nero under “piano jazz." Hey big fella - if you can't tell what's jazz and what isn't, don't be citing ridiculous "sources" like this one. "It also gives a biography which says, among other things, “after Nierow [Nero’s original name] finished studying music at Brooklyn College, he became a jazz pianist. However, instead of playing straight jazz, he created a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music” and “His lush orchestrated albums continued" Amateurs may primly believe that Nero's pops pianism is instead "a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music," but then I've spent years reviewing classical music professionally and can assure you that Nero's routine orchestral arrangements are no more "classical" than Roger Williams's are, and that any claim to "jazz" in these obvious pop confections is wildly misplaced. The trouble is, I think you might hear "jazz" in Liberace, in Roger Williams, and in every hotel pianist worthy of the name. But: A swing hybrid of jazz and classical that is NOT improvised is NOT jazz. Would that make sense to you? Obviously it doesn't, but it's hard to understand why not. "All in all, there is ample evidence that Nero is, among other things, a jazz pianist." You could apply the same rubric to Liberace! Jazz pianists improvise. Nero does not. It's really quite simple. I can't believe, literally, that you can't hear this. "He is also a fine conductor” and ““Philadelphia is lucky to have him and his, by now, trademark Philly Pops,” said All About Jazz’s Victor L. Schermer on May 8, 2009.”" This is called gilding the lily! Hilariously, you cite his conducting the Philly Pops orchestra--that's POPs, as in pop--as bolstering your argument that he's a jazz pianist. Oh man. "Also, it’s impossible to tell what someone of his caliber might have done had he gone in a different direction." True. He might have become a jazz pianist. He might have cured cancer. Who can ever say? But then his career path in plain reality has been to make pop appearances, pop recordings, and pop arrangements. The latter are of course all written out. I've played some of them---"Night and Day" arising from the Moonlight Sonata, etc. There are no secrets here. When you assure us that he might have become precisely what he isn't now, it rather lets the cat out of the bag. It's clear that you're not a musician. "In Nero’s Wikipedia biography it says “Constance Keene, his teacher and mentor, once wrote in an issue of Keyboard Classics, "Vladimir Horowitz was Peter's greatest fan!"” So I think his potential was evident to a rather sophisticated observer." You're changing the subject again! Nobody's arguing that Nero isn't any good. Just to remind you, the issue is whether he's a jazz pianist! It's very nice indeed that Horowitz liked Nero's playing, but that doesn't establish Nero as a jazz pianist. How in blazes could it have? I would observe in passing that Keene was one of Nero's teachers in a purely classical environment. That's the background, not jazz. He moved from classical to pop, as did virtually every other pop pianist with chops. "Also, Gershwin’s music is considered to fall within the broad meaning of jazz and Nero is considered to be one of the best interpreters of Gershwin." He plays Rhapsody in Blue. I bet he plays the Concerto in F, too. He plays the written out stuff, that is. I know that doesn't faze you. It should, though. Neither Peterson nor Tatum would follow suit. This is so elementary I have trouble fathoming that you don't know it. "In any case, I had already admitted that I had scarcely listened to Nero until recently and I make no claim to be an expert on music." You're right. You never claimed to be an expert on music, and you make a persuasive case for it. And of course nobody's disputing that you've scarcely listened to Nero. "You are, of course, entitled to your opinions as well." Thanks heaps.
Stephen Berman You say "No pianist is going to claim to be as great as Tatum or Peterson." You said earlier: "Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good." Hard to reconcile. Isn't the only way to thread this needle to assume that pianists generally have enough sense not to claim anything like equality with Tatum and Peterson, but that you yourself have the special expertise necessary to realize that Nero is their equal anyway? However you manage to do it, count me out.
Sixkatz,You have your opinion and I don't want to hear yours. Peter Nero is a great pop pianist, jazz pianist, great pianist, period! Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum played jazz and POP festivals. They were popular pianists who played jazz, as does Peter Nero.
Either the piano, not good to begin with, suddenly went out of tune at the start of the second number or something changed in the sound set-up abruptly. Brilliant pianist. And the fluency with which he blends in fragments of classical chestnuts--here Schubert Unfinished, Beautiful Blue Danube, etc.--unrivaled. R.I.P.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 1 Corinthians 15 KJV 15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Nero plays enjoyable pop music with some classical and jazz influences. But jazz is a different story: most’ of the commentators have never listened to Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, James P., Ellington, Mr. T. Monk, Cecil Taylor, Bill Evans, Dick Twardzik, and (saved for last) the incomparable Bud Powell, among many other true jazz pianists. At the heart of jazz is improvisation and the presentation of musical ideas, more than tours de force and technical flourish.
Видеоклипы![Peter Nero - Tea For Two [live at BBC 1966]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EwRZMvUCMUM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Peter Nero - Tea For Two [live at BBC 1966]](/img/tr.png)
Im his grandson :) this is awesome! GO GRAMPS!
how lucky you are!!
Fantastic pianist
Just SUPERB
My high school years ( early 60s) were filled with Peter Nero. Stole some of stuff when fooling around on the piano. He was an original, and still at it! Went to his concert I Syracuse NY during the time.
My favorite pianist of all time. My favorite piece of music ever is Rhapsody in Blue played by Nero and Fidler/Boston Pops. I still have a lot of his vinyl albums!
PETER NERO is one of the greatest of his and subsequent generations ... my wife's family took him in back in the 60's, while he was on a grueling national tour. He stayed for one evening. My young wife performed for Mr. Nero. He had just performed at Shippensburg State College, in South Central Pennsylvania. Her father, Dr. Steck, was a Professor of Literature. The Steck family often allowed free lodging in their home downtown at 118 E. King St. Daughter Sally was only 8 years old. She was astonished by Peter's young piano technique and expression as am I, whenever I watch any of these video captures of Peter Nero's performances! Very nice man, too! Looks effortless, but even Mozart admitted that if you work/practice harder than your fellow man, then the rewards will ultimately astound not only you, but the public at large. He was THAT GOOD!!!
I was a full time professional pianist for twenty years, (nowhere as good as Mr. Nero), and I'm now composing music for film and stage. It was Peter Nero who inspired me to beg my parents for a piano when I was thirteen years old. I finally got to see him in concert ten or twelve years ago in Michigan. Best...concert...ever.
Dazzling talent! Thank you so much for posting this. Sad to mention that Peter Nero passed away on July 6 - a full life, lived to 89.
Nice obituary in the NYTimes. Hoping that more of his music and appearances are posted here on RUclips. He always seemed to love what he was doing at the piano - and also with the Philly Pops.
Amazing pianist... SOOOOOOOOOOO underrated.... As a professional pianist myself, Peter is one of the best... Especially in the genre of pseudo classical music.... Amazing talent....
Amazing....?? ...no...très bon ! too mutch ...very strong !
This is just BRILLIANT
Not only is his technique flawless, but is improvisation is incredible!
Peter not only dazzles at the keyboard, he is the definition of perfection!
Terrific what a pianist BRAVO Peter Nero ty so much
Always loved him. Saw Peter Nero in 1970, Lynchburg, VA. Fabulous. A thrill.
So sorry to learn of his passing. Incredible pianist. Have his albums.
Love love love this. Thank you PETER
Love Peters work listened to him in the 70s with my wife who just ADORES his music.
Driving across desert at midnight I saw a limo broken. My wife & I were going to a Rose Bowl game next day. I turned around. Nero & his band members were stranded & freezing. I gave him my grandma's 2 quilts, & drove a ways to get a phone. (1965 I think) On way back I stopped & told him help was coming. He also was going to OSU bowl game. At game he had her quilts cleaned & folded. He offered to have us join him in his 50 yard line box. And 10 seconds later "REX" sprinting onto the field nodded at me. I was Lancaster's heavy weight wrestler & played FB too. Nero was very nice.
It is very upsetting to hear that Peter has died! With that level of talent, he should have lived forever! His passing is such a tremendous loss!
I hope more of his recordings are released....
A great talent then and now, masterful work of the paino
I forgot how great he was & still going strong at age 80..Bravo Peter!...I remember you when you were Bernie...I played at Jilly's too in the late 60's opposite Bobby Cole..
At last....some vintage Nero
More please
What a brilliant arrangement, mixing classical and jazz styles together! Pianists don't come any more talented than Peter Nero.
Yes, they certainly do!
I take it that you are disagreeing with me?
2023 and Peter Nero is in my music favourites list❤😅😊
He is just BRILLIANT. Thank you
Saw him when I was a teenager (learning the piano) in the 1970s. I left the concert hall in stunned silence. I'd simply never heard the piano played like that.
Again more music for the 'God's' ! What a fabulous track ! Makes you glad to be alive !
We love PETER playing these numbers could listen FOREVER. Thank you
I have nominated Peter Nero for a Lincoln Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award. It's high time this honor be bestowed upon Mr. Nero. May I recommend that all of you do the same and maybe we will one day soon see this deserved honor go to Peter.
This man's technique and choice of chording amazes me!
This is awesome !!!!
I know I'm gonna anger a few with this comment, but here goes. There are so many great pianists in the world, past and present, and I do have my favorites, but Peter Nero is truly one of a kind. Peter Nero is to the piano what Buddy Rich was to the drums. They were both from another planet. What a phenomenal talent. If I had to choose only one guy to be able to play like, it would be Peter Nero, hands down.
You are a tasteless idiot! Like Peter Nero!
Just WONDERFUL
The BEST!!!! Peter, I could never play like you....nor do I want to! It would probably scare me!!! I love you!!!!!!! Hugs....:)
Wonderful Piano Artistry! A Fantastic Musician!
We had Nero- ing (sic) On The Hits , I was a kid , respected him then....
My Mom had taste ,RIP Miss Evelyn.
Happy 86th!
I still have his first album "Peter Nero Plays Songs You Won't Forget." I wish it was in CD. The album had some terrific songs which has the "Nero" touch. FANTASTIC!
He is My Favorite Pianist Best in the World love your music Peter ❤️🙏😳🙋
Now thats what I call Awesome!!
One all time best!
Best Technique I ever heard
One of the BEST.
My all time favorite pianist. And what great arrangements. I had the great pleasure of seeing him live in Peoria Illinois a hundred years ago.
Hi, Zelda. I also saw him live with the trio at C W Post College the summer of 1966 (also a hundred years ago). Among other pieces, he played "It's all right with me". It literally knocked my socks off and brought down the house. IMHO, truly the GOAT.
Out standing
Gifted.
Wow ,Peter has got that "right snap"!!!
Shows what a nerd I am: While others were idolizing the Beatles, etc., I was emulating Peter Nero---unsuccessfully, although I was a busy wedding/Bar-Mitzvah pianist in New York City.
Always the master
His 1964ish album, Hail the Conquering Nero, was well named.
Magnifique🎶🎶💜💜💜
Wow! He does make it look easy!
As a pianist and absolute pianophile, I don't know how I could have avoided hearing anything by Peter Nero for 45 years. This was finally rectified by listening to Jazz Record Requests on Radio 3 (in the UK) last night.
For anyone else who wondered what the first piece was based on, it was Schubert's unfinished symphony.
I've wondered that myself. I think he was sort of drowned out. In the "pop piano" space, Liberace---that great showman whom I also respect as a very good musician in his own way---simply drew all the attention at about the same time despite the fact that Nero was light years better as a pure pianist. In the jazz space, there were many brilliant African American performers who drew more attention including Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good. Though Nero probably could have competed with the likes of Horowitz and Czifra had he gone in that direction, he really didn't go quite that way. Certainly Peter Nero was famous but until recently I can't say I ever really listened to him. At least it's some comfort that I wasn't the only one who missed out.
Stephen Berman
"In the jazz space, there were many brilliant African American performers
who drew more attention including Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good."
Not even Nero believes he's "as good" as Art Tatum or Oscar Peterson." Not to mention the fact that Nero isn't a jazz pianist and has never played a note of jazz in his life.
"Though Nero probably could have competed with the likes of Horowitz and
Czifra had he gone in that direction, he really didn't go quite that
way."
"Not quite," huh. Hilarious!
sixkatz No pianist is going to claim to be as great as Tatum or Peterson. But when Ray Charles was asked who was his favorite pianist in a Keyboard magazine interview he said "Art Tatum could play anything he wanted to," Charles replied, "...and Peter Nero [also] plays his buns off!" So, even though he mentioned Tatum first, he mentioned Nero in the same breath. So it is not unreasonable to compare them. Now that I started listening to some things online by Nero, I’ve read many comments saying that Nero should be considered to be in the group of really great jazz pianists.
Also, as far as Nero “has never played a note of jazz in his life”, Jazz has a broad meaning. Pandora radio lists Nero under “piano jazz.” It also gives a biography which says, among other things, “after Nierow [Nero’s original name] finished studying music at Brooklyn College, he became a jazz pianist. However, instead of playing straight jazz, he created a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music” and “His lush orchestrated albums continued through the early '70s, when he returned to a harder jazz format, recording with a trio.” Nero was booked as a Jazz pianist on Feb 8 at University of California, Berkeley this past Feb 8 (On March 19 Chick Corea was there).
On Nero’s own web site it says ““Peter Nero is, of course, known for his piano playing, covering a range from classical concert repertoire to straight-ahead jazz. His fingers stretch as far as Art Tatum’s, and he practically knows no limits on the Steinway. He is also a fine conductor” and ““Philadelphia is lucky to have him and his, by now, trademark Philly Pops,” said All About Jazz’s Victor L. Schermer on May 8, 2009.” So a knowledgeable jazz musician (Schermer) who writes on a jazz blog thinks that Nero plays jazz. Also, Gershwin’s music is considered to fall within the broad meaning of jazz and Nero is considered to be one of the best interpreters of Gershwin.
All in all, there is ample evidence that Nero is, among other things, a jazz pianist.
Also, it’s impossible to tell what someone of his caliber might have done had he gone in a different direction. In Nero’s Wikipedia biography it says “Constance Keene, his teacher and mentor, once wrote in an issue of Keyboard Classics, "Vladimir Horowitz was Peter's greatest fan!"” So I think his potential was evident to a rather sophisticated observer.
In any case, I had already admitted that I had scarcely listened to Nero until recently and I make no claim to be an expert on music. I was just giving my opinion based on what I had read and various videos I had listened to and watched of some of his performances. You are, of course, entitled to your opinions as well.
Stephen Berman
Peter Nero is a pretty damn good pop pianist. That's all. He isn't a jazz pianist and has never pretended to be.
The legendary Tatum is one of a handful of the great jazz musicians ever. Although Peterson is a lesser figure in this comparison, he still lays fair claim to an honored place in jazz history.
"Jazz has a broad meaning."
Not when you try to plug a pop figure into it! Don't be ridiculous. As here: "Pandora radio lists Nero under “piano jazz." Hey big fella - if you can't tell what's jazz and what isn't, don't be citing ridiculous "sources" like this one.
"It also gives a biography which says, among other things, “after Nierow
[Nero’s original name] finished studying music at Brooklyn College, he
became a jazz pianist. However, instead of playing straight jazz, he
created a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music” and “His lush
orchestrated albums continued"
Amateurs may primly believe that Nero's pops pianism is instead "a swinging hybrid of jazz and classical music," but then I've spent years reviewing classical music professionally and can assure you that Nero's routine orchestral arrangements are no more "classical" than Roger Williams's are, and that any claim to "jazz" in these obvious pop confections is wildly misplaced. The trouble is, I think you might hear "jazz" in Liberace, in Roger Williams, and in every hotel pianist worthy of the name. But: A swing hybrid of jazz and classical that is NOT improvised is NOT jazz. Would that make sense to you? Obviously it doesn't, but it's hard to understand why not.
"All in all, there is ample evidence that Nero is, among other things, a jazz pianist."
You could apply the same rubric to Liberace! Jazz pianists improvise. Nero does not. It's really quite simple. I can't believe, literally, that you can't hear this.
"He is also a fine conductor” and ““Philadelphia is lucky to have him and
his, by now, trademark Philly Pops,” said All About Jazz’s Victor L.
Schermer on May 8, 2009.”"
This is called gilding the lily! Hilariously, you cite his conducting the Philly Pops orchestra--that's POPs, as in pop--as bolstering your argument that he's a jazz pianist. Oh man.
"Also, it’s impossible to tell what someone of his caliber might have done had he gone in a different direction."
True. He might have become a jazz pianist. He might have cured cancer. Who can ever say?
But then his career path in plain reality has been to make pop appearances, pop recordings, and pop arrangements. The latter are of course all written out. I've played some of them---"Night and Day" arising from the Moonlight Sonata, etc. There are no secrets here. When you assure us that he might have become precisely what he isn't now, it rather lets the cat out of the bag. It's clear that you're not a musician.
"In Nero’s Wikipedia biography it says “Constance Keene, his teacher and
mentor, once wrote in an issue of Keyboard Classics, "Vladimir Horowitz
was Peter's greatest fan!"” So I think his potential was evident to a
rather sophisticated observer."
You're changing the subject again! Nobody's arguing that Nero isn't any good. Just to remind you, the issue is whether he's a jazz pianist! It's very nice indeed that Horowitz liked Nero's playing, but that doesn't establish Nero as a jazz pianist. How in blazes could it have? I would observe in passing that Keene was one of Nero's teachers in a purely classical environment. That's the background, not jazz. He moved from classical to pop, as did virtually every other pop pianist with chops.
"Also, Gershwin’s music is considered to fall within the broad meaning of
jazz and Nero is considered to be one of the best interpreters of
Gershwin."
He plays Rhapsody in Blue. I bet he plays the Concerto in F, too. He plays the written out stuff, that is. I know that doesn't faze you. It should, though. Neither Peterson nor Tatum would follow suit. This is so elementary I have trouble fathoming that you don't know it.
"In any case, I had already admitted that I had scarcely listened to Nero
until recently and I make no claim to be an expert on music."
You're right. You never claimed to be an expert on music, and you make a persuasive case for it. And of course nobody's disputing that you've scarcely listened to Nero.
"You are, of course, entitled to your opinions as well."
Thanks heaps.
Stephen Berman
You say "No pianist is going to claim to be as great as Tatum or Peterson."
You said earlier: "Of course, those two and others are awesome as well though I think Nero was at least as good."
Hard to reconcile. Isn't the only way to thread this needle to assume that pianists generally have enough sense not to claim anything like equality with Tatum and Peterson, but that you yourself have the special expertise necessary to realize that Nero is their equal anyway? However you manage to do it, count me out.
Excelente
There aught to be a law against anyone having that much talent!
Nobody better than Peter Bernard Nero!!!
Rip : Peter Nero (born Bernard Nierow) (May 22 1934 - July 6 2023)
❤❤❤
NERO IS ONE OF A KIND!!!CHECK OUT HIS HELLO DOLLY!!!!!SECOND TO NONE!!!!!
Sixkatz,You have your opinion and I don't want to hear yours. Peter Nero is a great pop pianist, jazz pianist, great pianist, period! Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum played jazz and POP festivals. They were popular pianists who played jazz, as does Peter Nero.
They're all just jealous!!!!! :)
I know your music in the movie “ One day in New York” with Rod Taylor .
Sunday In New York.
he won a grammy
HELP! Is there, anywhere, a Peter Nero sheet music arrangement of this song? If so, please let me know! It would be greatly appreciated!
Bought my first Peter Nero album in about 1963 or 1964. I have two from that era! Nobody like him.
Watch those Hands!!!! And Fingers!!!
Wow he already looked like an experienced man by that time... I'ma check his age on his wiki page.
jUST bEAUTIFUL mY mAN pETER
Not as far as I know, but you're right, he could have been one of the greatest.
Joe Cusatis on drums!
Plays as if he hasn’t a care in the world.
What is the classical piece that is played as a basis for "Easy To Love"?
blue danube waltz
schuberts unfinished symphony
chingón...
Schubert's Unfinished Symphony No. 8, first movement.
Ingenious....BRAVO!
Either the piano, not good to begin with, suddenly went out of tune at the start of the second number or something changed in the sound set-up abruptly. Brilliant pianist. And the fluency with which he blends in fragments of classical chestnuts--here Schubert Unfinished, Beautiful Blue Danube, etc.--unrivaled. R.I.P.
WEow ---What a ''Natural;; Pianist My Man Peter Nero You ARE THE best :)
can't believe i see 15 hands down..wtf..please go to an ear doc ! oh and maybe a music school
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 15
KJV
15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Nero plays enjoyable pop music with some classical and jazz influences. But jazz is a different story: most’ of the commentators have never listened to Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, James P., Ellington, Mr. T. Monk, Cecil Taylor, Bill Evans, Dick Twardzik, and (saved for last) the incomparable Bud Powell, among many other true jazz pianists. At the heart of jazz is improvisation and the presentation of musical ideas, more than tours de force and technical flourish.
Any better than Nero? NO!
Strange hodgepodge of classical and cocktail piano with some jazz overtones. Technically impressive but too stiff and non-swinging to be called jazz.
❤❤❤