Episode 129 Jonathan Biss

“Beethoven’s music has been an obsession for me for as long as I can remember. Working on it has been a constant source of joy, inspiration, and frustration.”

Jonathan Biss

“If I ever stop finding music challenging and life-altering, I’ll quit and become an accountant.” Not to worry. Pianist Jonathan Biss, a world-renowned educator and critically-acclaimed author, cannot stop finding music challenging and and life-altering. Listening to him speak about Beethoven — or even Verdi, one gleans an obsession with greatness.

At the age of 17, Jonathan attended the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Leon Fleisher, which proved a phenomenal learning experience. While his life in music provides him with tremendous satisfaction, playing music remains ever a struggle. He regards it as a pleasure and privilege to live this struggle, and to share its results with other people. As he puts it, “Doing justice to great music is an unattainable goal.”

His audio book, Unquiet, My Life With Beethoven is a must-hear.

Our conversation is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Listen for yourself!