John McArthur

In the artist’s words: Describe one of your earliest musical memories in detail. My earliest musical recollection was at my first recital when I was 9 years old. After the last piece was played, I was excited to receive my very first ovation from the audience only to learn later on that they rose with the applause to go home. What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Why did you choose these three albums in particular? Earl Wild, Earl Wild Plays His Gershwin Transcriptions New York Philharmonic, Vladimir Horowitz, Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 & Piano Sonata No. 2 (Classic Library Series) Raymond Lewenthal, Raymond Lewenthal Plays Alkan and Liszt All three of these records are from pianistic giants of the 20th century, each of whom personally influenced my playing and perspectives on music. I love their textured, layered playing and the wide range of tonal colors they convey. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. Tell us why you chose this song. “Hommage à Poulenc (based on the Sarabande from Partita No. 1, Transcribed by Earl Wild)” During my protracted absence from public music making, my approach to music and the piano had changed. It is in this new recording of the "Hommage" that these changes were first manifested.