John O'Conor

John O'Conor is sometimes called a "poet of piano" for his ability to play with particularly expressive phrasing, depth of tone color, and a technique that can make piano playing look like a lark. His specialties are Classical and Romantic music, and he is best known for his recordings of Beethoven's complete piano sonatas and the works of fellow Irishman John Field. When O'Conor first told his parents he wanted to be a professional musician, giving up his love of rugby, he got the usual response of laughter followed by concern that he couldn't earn a real living. (This was ...