Buchbinder

Perhaps that is one reason Mr. Buchbinder also likes to play music by George Gershwin, though he won't play the "Rhapsody in Blue" with orchestra, because the composer didn't write it for those forces.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Zina Sanders Rudolf Buchbinder Little wonder he is contemptuous of musical editions in which attempts have been made to "correct" Beethoven, or to straighten out inconsistencies in the score.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

But fitting together, in Mr. Buchbinder's view, never means compromising a personal vision.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Mr. Buchbinder's recorded performances reflect that iconoclastic approach.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

In the end, Radu Lupu took first place, but, says Mr. Buchbinder, "Van gave me a private special prize because he was very upset."

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Viennese pianist Rudolf Buchbinder, who performs Mozart's D-minor Piano Concerto at Carnegie Hall on Saturday night with the conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, has a lot to say, and not just musically.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Given the opportunity, Mr. Buchbinder will rail against the decline of individualism, the dehumanization of the recording studio or the incompetence of music editors.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Rudolf Buchbinder is the consummate musician—one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's piano works and artistic director of the Grafenegg Music Festival in Austria.

Collecting Is Pianist Rudolf Buchbinder's Forte Mariana Schroeder 2011

Mr. Buchbinder's numerous solo performances, guest appearances with the world's great orchestras, CDs, videos and the directorship of the Grafenegg Music Festival near Vienna are accomplishment enough.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011

Back in 1966, when Mr. Buchbinder entered the Van Cliburn competition in Fort Worth, Texas "I was between two tours in Australia and the U.S. and had some time," the pianist explains, Mr. Cliburn reportedly lobbied hard for him to win, even buttonholing jurists in hotel elevators.

Vienna's Classical Iconoclast Stuart Isacoff 2011