Only a handful of exceptionally talented musicians ever merit the term 'virtuoso'.
Throughout history, classical music has been shaped and elevated by extraordinary virtuosos—musicians whose technical brilliance, interpretative depth, and magnetic stage presence have left audiences spellbound. These performers push the boundaries of what is possible on their instruments, transforming notes on a page into moments of breathtaking artistry.
Whether dazzling with lightning-fast fingerwork, evoking deep emotion with subtle phrasing, or pioneering new techniques that redefine their craft, virtuosos stand at the pinnacle of musical achievement.
This article celebrates seven of the greatest classical music virtuosos—icons whose legacies continue to inspire musicians and captivate listeners around the world. From violinists and pianists to cellists and beyond, each artist featured here has made an indelible mark through unforgettable performances and recordings. Join us as we explore their stories, highlight their most remarkable feats, and reflect on what makes them true masters of their art.
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The best virtuosos of all time
Earl Wild (1915-2010)
I had the privilege of interviewing the US pianist Earl Wild late on in his life but, alas, never had the chance to see him play live. I was first made aware of his brilliance when a friend recommended his thrilling performances of the four Rachmaninov piano concertos with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Jascha Horenstein, recorded in 1965 – they remain my favourite recordings to this day.
Wild was an exceptionally gifted pianist: at the age of three he was already playing selected melodies from opera overtures. He had some great teachers, too, including Paul Dogureau (who had learned from Ravel) and Egon Petri, a pupil of Busoni. Blessed with a peerless technique, his repertoire took in everything from Bach to jazz. It was, perhaps, that sense of spontaneity that goes with playing jazz that made his live performances of classical music so fresh and exciting. Jeremy Pound, deputy editor
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Liszt may loom large in the modern imagination as the great piano whizz of his age, but if I had a time machine to take me back to the Romantic era, it’s Chopin I would really like to hear.
By all accounts, his own playing was all about beautiful sound, the singing voice, intimacy and eloquence. To hear him play his own remarkable piano works must have been quite something. Fellow pianist-composer Robert Schumann did just that, and noted: ‘It was an unforgettable picture to see Chopin sitting at the piano like a clairvoyant, lost in his dreams, to see how his vision communicated itself through his playing and how, at the end of each piece, he had the sad habit of running one finger over the length of the plaintive keyboard, as though to tear himself forcibly away from his dream.’ Rebecca Franks, former managing editor
More of the greatest virtuosos we wish we'd heard
Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987)
Often called the 'Violinist of the Century', Jascha Heifetz combined a beautiful, silken tone with a flawless technique. His performances of the violin concertos of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Sibelius set a 20th-century standard for violin playing.
Born a year into the 20th century in Vilnius, Lithuania (then part of the Russian Empire), Heifetz was a child prodigy. He began playing the violin at the age of 3: by 7, he was ready to study at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
The young Heifetz gave his public debut at age 7 and performed with the legendary Berlin Philharmonic, then as now one of the world's greatest orchestras, at the tender age of 11. At 16, he made an acclaimed American debut at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1917.
Heiftez's violin playing was blessed with a captivating mix of emotional intensity and complete technical mastery. A much sought-after concerto soloist, he was also a keen performer of chamber music, often collaborating with cellist Gregor Piatigorsky and pianist Arthur Rubinstein. Have a listen to this incredible performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto:
Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007)
Anyone who saw Mstislav Rostropovich in action was incredibly lucky. He could breathe new fire into the most familiar repertoire and inspired some of the 20th century’s greatest composers to write new works. Just imagine being at a Shostakovich or Prokofiev premiere.
Rostropovich's large, sculpted hands were a perfect fit for the cello. He was also, famously, gifted with a brilliant memory, which he trained hard. result: he was able to memorise music instantly, and could perform everything (including new works) without the music. He famously learned Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 from memory in just three days. Michael Beek, reviews editor
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Anyone with a hand span of over an octave, giving them the ability to reach eye-watering intervals, is always going to be worth a watch. Rachmaninov’s 13-note spread marked him out in the piano world, but perhaps what made him a legend were his clear, crisp textures, incredible technique and voicing.
He also had an awe-inspiring memory, and was reportedly able to hear a piece of music as large-scale as a symphony, and play it the next day.
Both precise and drivingly propulsive, Rachmaninov's playing style somewhat resembled that of his compatriot and contemporary Prokofiev. The difference is perhaps that, where Prokofiev's style could be almost motoric, Rachmaninov's was more like an tidal wave of emotion.
His tonal quality was also little short of spellbinding. Listen to Rachmaninov performing the opening bars of his own G flat major Prelude: it's simple, almost limpid music, yet you can sense the presence of some extraordinary emotional and lyrical talent. Few other pianists could phrase the repeated chord pattern in the right hand with such suppleness, all while bringing intense focus to the left-hand melody.
Freya Parr, former editorial assistant
Ginette Neveu (1919-1949)
It's hard to guess how big an impact the French violinist Ginette Neveu might have had on the 20th century classical landscape, had she lived long enough. As it was, she died, tragically, at the age of just 30, in a plane crash (the tragedy also took the life of the French boxer Marcel Cerdan, Edith Piaf's lover). The story goes that, when Neveu's body was recovered after the crash, she was still clutching her beloved Stradivarius in her arms.
In the short career she was able to enjoy, Neveu nonetheless emerged as one of the 20th century's greatest violinists of the 20th century, standing out for her deep musicality, technical excellence and perhaps above all, her passionate interpretations.
Neveu came from a musical background: the great-niece of the organist and composer Charles-Marie Widor, she learned from a variety of illustrious music teachers including George Enescu, Nadia Boulanger and Carl Flesch. She made her public debut at the age of seven, and at 15 won the prestigious Henryk Wieniawski Competition, pushing a certain David Oistrakh into second place.
- Nadia Boulanger is one of five music teachers who changed the face of western classical music
I am entranced by Ginette Neveu's passionate, idiomatic performance of my very favourite violin concerto, that by Sibelius. Have a listen below.
Steve Wright, multi-platform content provider
Virgil Fox (1912-80)
The American organist Virgil Fox had it all – charisma, showmanship, exceptional technique, great musicianship and a seemingly inexhaustible love of touring. Granted, his interpretations weren’t always to everyone’s taste, but his Bach playing was meticulous and his performance of the ‘grand’ repertoire never less than exhilarating. Oliver Condy, former editor
And one we still hope to see...
Martha Argerich (b. 1941)
Born in Buenos Aires in 1941, Martha Argerich is widely celebrated as one of the greatest pianists of her time—and indeed, of all time. Known for her breathtaking technique, fiery temperament, and profound musical insight, she has captivated audiences worldwide since winning the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in 1965.
Argerich’s playing combines staggering virtuosity with deep emotional expression, making her performances both dazzling and deeply moving. She excels particularly in the Romantic repertoire, with legendary interpretations of works by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Prokofiev, but her artistry extends across a wide range of styles and composers.
What sets Argerich apart is not just her technical brilliance but her fearless spontaneity and the sheer energy she brings to the stage. She is also admired for her commitment to chamber music and for nurturing young talent. Argerich’s enduring influence and magnetic presence make her a towering figure in classical music.
All pics: Getty Images