Krystian Zimerman

The Profile

Krystian Zimerman (born 5 December 1956, Zabrze, Poland) is a Polish classical pianist who rose to international prominence after winning the International Chopin Piano Competition in 1975. He is known for his recordings and highly refined, meticulous interpretations.

Winner of the 1975 International Chopin Piano Competition; born 5 December 1956 in Zabrze, Poland; noted for precise, refined technique and thoughtful interpretations.

A passionate, personal review of a 2008 concert in Rome that praises Zimerman's refined technique while lamenting a perceived loss of visceral spontaneity. The reviewer contrasts youthful impetuosity with later perfectionism and highlights a strong Chopin reading.