Does Your Personality Reflect in Your Piano Playing? Why Do Performances Differ by Individual?

Even if you go on a trip together, see the same sights, eat and drink the same things, people often remember different aspects or have slightly different impressions.

This kind of difference occurs even among close friends, as well as between siblings or parents and children.

Since everyone has different ways of thinking, it’s rare for two people to feel exactly the same, even if their impressions are very similar or almost identical.

However, even when small differences arise, people don’t usually argue by saying, “You’re wrong! That’s not it! This is where you’re mistaken!” In daily life, to get along with others, there are many occasions when we align our opinions with those of others. (Of course, it’s important to express what needs to be said clearly.)

When you have to do something together with others, you might adjust to one another, make compromises, or find a middle ground. On the other hand, when it comes to things you can do alone, you are free to do them exactly as you like!

Musical performance is the same. The way you approach a solo performance is entirely different from how you approach playing with others. When playing solo, you can focus entirely on the piece you’re playing. In the case of piano, if you’re performing with someone else, you often end up playing accompaniment. In such situations, you need to pay attention to how the melody instrument player wants to perform and consider how you can play to make it easier for them.

Even with the same piece of music, changes in the performer can slightly alter the tempo, phrasing, or expression. To harmonize with the main performer, I make subtle adjustments in my playing as well.

Bridal work has given me the opportunity to collaborate with various instrumentalists and vocalists, which has been both a challenge and a learning experience.

During these collaborations, in moments of downtime or after the work is done, you sometimes get a chance to talk. Through their choice of words and way of speaking, you can often get a sense of their personality.

Some people’s way of speaking aligns closely with the impression of their performance, while for others, their speech and performance feel completely different, which is quite interesting.

This time, I’d like to think about why performances differ from person to person♪

Even when playing the same piece, it’s completely different depending on the person

I think you’ll understand this well if you compare performances, so let’s try listening to them side by side.

Let’s listen to performances of the same piece uploaded on YouTube by two pianists currently in the spotlight: Tomoki Sakata and Kyohei Sorita.

Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata Moonlight, 3rd Movement”

・Tomoki Sakata

I wrote a bit about camera work for filming piano performances in a previous article, but this four-split camera is great! When I first saw it, I thought, “This is it!” (laughs)

Fixed camera angles are fine!!! Everyone wants to focus on different parts, so if you fix the camera in several different perspectives and show them simultaneously, people can move their gaze on their own!!! I wish this filming style would become the norm…

I digress (laughs).

I absolutely love Sakata’s piano playing♪ His sound is beautiful and precise, without any tension or excessive emotion—how can I put it, it feels like there’s no unnecessary embellishment. It gives the impression of someone competing purely with sound, with a sense of clarity and simplicity.

・Kyohei Sorita

Sorita’s playing is completely different! Even with the same piece, it can be this distinct.

Sorita’s performance is powerful, weighty, and has a strong sense of urgency. It feels as if he’s intentionally exaggerating the transitions between scenes, making the listener anticipate what’s coming next.

In contrast, Sakata’s performance might sound more understated compared to Sorita’s.

List “La Campanella”

・Takashi Sakata
(Starts playing from 1:35)

I often hear “La Campanella” played powerfully, but this performance, with such beautiful tones and a light touch that truly feels like bells are ringing, is absolutely incredible! I think the way he applies weight to his fingers is exquisite, and his control is outstanding. I wish I could learn his techniques…

・Kyohei Sorita

The way he draws people into his world is amazing! Even if at first you think, “Is that how he’s expressing it?” before you know it, you’re captivated and completely convinced by it. Of course, his performance is incredible, but I believe there’s also a special charm about Sorita himself!

How did you all feel after comparing the two performances?

I originally wanted to do a comparison of Chopin’s works as well, but I couldn’t find videos of the two playing the same piece, so I decided to compare these two instead.

Both are exceptional pianists, and both performances are phenomenal! If one of them seemed less impressive, it’s only because of my poor writing or inability to express myself properly. I apologize for that.

Preferences in performance style differ from person to person, and I’m sure there are various opinions. I hope you’ll understand that performances can vary greatly depending on the individual.

Why does this happen?

Let’s delve into why these differences occur in more detail.

Differences in environment

The climate differs significantly between Japan and Europe, and so do housing environments. Culture and language are also different. I think these distinctions definitely influence music.
The way sound resonates must be affected by building materials and humidity. This applies not only to overseas versus Japan but also within Japan, where temperature and humidity vary greatly between the north and the south. The environment where one lives and plays the piano likely shapes their music in various ways.

Additionally, and perhaps this is the biggest factor, the teachers one has had and the teachings one has received also contribute to differences in performance.

Differences in bone structure, physique, and physical usage

Bone structure is something one is born with and cannot change. It’s largely determined by genetics.
Physique, on the other hand, can be altered through physical training, such as building muscle or gaining weight. It seems Sorita also underwent physical conditioning for his competition!

How one uses their body might be akin to a personal habit.

Differences in interpretation

Just as personalities and ways of thinking vary from person to person, I believe differences in musical interpretation also emerge. This, in turn, leads to differences in performance.

How exactly does the use of the body differ?

The way the body is used differs from person to person, and it seems there are broadly two types. I’m not an expert, but it made a lot of sense to me, so I’d like to write about it.

How do you fan yourself with a handheld fan?

This can be categorized into two types:

1. The type that “fixes the wrist and moves from the elbow.”
2. The type that “fixes the elbow and only moves the wrist.”

Which type are you?

I’m the type that “fixes the elbow and only moves the wrist.” This type tends to hook their fingers lightly onto a train strap rather than gripping it tightly. The other type grips the train strap firmly when holding it. It seems there are other variations as well, but not everyone uses their body in the same way.

I am the wrist-heavy type, but my mother is the elbow-heavy type. So, it doesn’t necessarily follow that parent and child are the same.

I believe this difference also plays a role in piano performance. The way the wrist and elbow are used likely influences the way weight is distributed and force is transmitted.

Until now, I never really understood the idea of playing with “weight” rather than “force.” However, by focusing on the elbow, I’ve gradually started to understand what it means to “apply weight.”

People who play using their wrist are likely good at sharp, instantaneous playing styles with a snapping motion, but they might struggle with sustaining smooth, continuous sounds. (Is it just me?) On the other hand, I feel that elbow-heavy people are the opposite. (Am I wrong?)

I’m still learning, but I think differences in how the body is used and how weight is applied, in addition to bone structure, contribute to differences in tone quality!

Personality Absolutely Plays a Role!!

I’ve written about various aspects, but I believe that a person’s personality is also one of the major factors.

Impatient individuals often speak quickly or walk briskly in their daily lives, giving them a natural sense of fast tempo. When performing music, they may find it easier to enjoy and adapt to faster tempos.

On the other hand, laid-back people tend to speak and move at a slower pace. Even when playing faster-tempo music, they might gravitate toward slightly slower and more relaxed tempos within their comfort zone.

Of course, since facial expressions and emotions can vary from person to person, it’s challenging to judge someone purely by their appearance or vibe. However, I feel that a performer’s inner self often reveals itself in their playing.

When I hear someone play with a fast, forward-leaning tempo, I sometimes imagine they might be a bit impatient. (Haha!) Of course, appearance and personality don’t always align, so this isn’t a definite conclusion.

Performing music is, in essence, a way of confronting oneself. Perhaps that’s why a person’s character unintentionally manifests in their playing.

Diligent and serious individuals likely practice methodically, paying attention to minute details and diligently working on sections of the music. This effort undoubtedly resonates with listeners. Their focus on intricate elements and dedication to tone and nuance add conviction to each part. However, their meticulousness might sometimes lead to an imbalance if too much emphasis is placed on individual elements.

In performance, diligence and seriousness can occasionally become drawbacks. Fear of mistakes or susceptibility to pressure may weigh heavily on such individuals. To these people, I say: please try to relax and take it easy!

People who are more easygoing and slightly carefree may not focus as much on small details. Instead, they might emphasize the overall structure, considering how each part fits into the bigger picture. Their strength lies in maintaining balance, resulting in a natural and smooth musical flow. If they can dedicate more effort to detailed practice, their performances might reach an even higher level!

Confident and slightly narcissistic individuals may prefer flashy sounds and performances. Having a solid sense of self is undoubtedly a strength. With their innate ability to captivate, as long as they avoid self-indulgent playing, their performances can be truly captivating.

Conversely, those who tend to underestimate themselves may avoid or struggle to play more flamboyantly. These individuals, despite their hard work, often lack confidence. I’m sure they’re genuinely putting in the effort.

It’s not that they’re not trying—on the contrary, they’re likely diligent and serious. Building confidence isn’t easy, especially when they set ambitious goals for themselves. But high aspirations are not inherently bad!

For this type of person, I believe they aren’t even aware of how high their goals are—they’re simply driven by a strong sense of self-improvement. Comparing oneself to others might only bring unnecessary stress. Instead, I suggest reflecting on how much progress you’ve made compared to your past self. This might provide a healthier perspective.

Confident and easygoing individuals often excel at emotional control and adaptability. These qualities may make them less reliant on encouraging words. (Haha!)

Meanwhile, those who are self-critical or perfectionists might be more affected by external feedback, struggling to accurately evaluate their own efforts. These individuals tend to overthink, but there’s no need for that. Your audience can sense your dedication!

In this way, I believe personality significantly influences musical performance. No single personality type is inherently better than another—each has its strengths and weaknesses. Please don’t ever think that your personality makes you unsuited for playing the piano!

This time, I’ve tried to explore why different people perform the same piece of music differently. What do you think?

Expressing something on the spot, especially if it’s not something you regularly think about, can be quite challenging. Similarly, you can’t express what you don’t feel.

What we think and feel daily becomes evident to listeners, making it impossible to fake a performance. Let’s both continue to improve! Let’s do our best together!!

Summary

Why do performances of the same piece differ between individuals?
◆ Because their learning environments differ
◆ Because their bone structure, physique, and physical movements differ
◆ Because their interpretations differ
◆ Because their personalities differ