"This is a war of two men, one fights for darkness and domination and death, the other fights for light, liberty, and love.
All the love in my heart and soul go out to the unbelievably passionate and courageous Ukrainian people and their inspired President.
I am donating all the proceeds from sales of my newly released Recital CD, “LIVE FROM LENINGRAD, 1960” and “BYRON JANIS LIVE: ON TOUR” VINYL to Doctors without Borders and World Central Kitchen led by Jose Andres.
Interestingly, The CD contains a Sonata by the American composer Aaron Copeland and The Funeral March Sonata by the great Polish Composer Frederic Chopin.
Ukraine and its citizens are showing the world the true meaning of Love.
May we all learn it!”
Byron Janis
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ACCOLADES
You don’t want to be a second Horowitz. You want to be a first Janis
—Vladimir Horowitz
This genial interpreter takes us away.... far, very far, in this mysterious universe, where music takes on its pure dimensions! If there is a pianist that merits being called a "magician", it is surely Byron Janis.
—Figaro, (Paris)
he has achieved a leval of excellence hardly excelled by Horowitz himself . Both men reached the summit of technical perfection. Janis has - in addition- his own kind of chiseled fire and dazzling command of every note he touches
—Philadelphia Bulletin
Byron Janis plays Chopin with an interior quality that pierces the heart…blinding with truth for those who can see the invisible…A Chopin where you will be forever changed
—LeMonde de la Musique, December 1996
Truly a remarkable person, Mr. Janis pursues his passion through performing, composing and the advancement of music therapy
—Charles P Melone, Jr. M.D
.but the ovations accorded to Mr. Janis have surpassed those for the other American artists ... Mr.Janis virtually unknown here – achieved an even more stormy acclaim simply on the basis of technique and artistry.
—NYT, headline, Russians Acclaim Pianist Janis. Osgood Caruthers
He has achieved a level of excellence hardly excelled by Horowitz himself
—Philadelphia Bulletin
He has been responsible for some of the most memorable pianism this reviewer has ever experienced.
— Chicago Tribune John Von Rhein
Byron Janis – the extraordinary pianist whom the Russians, including composer Dimitri Kabalevsky, labeled, 'the American Richter'
—Harper’s Bazaar
In the ripe old age of 85, I think we have to keep the child in us because we're always looking for something new and exciting, never become jaded
—Byron Janis
Byron Janis has been responsible for some of the most memorable pianism this reviewer has ever experienced
—John Von Rhein, Chicago Tribune
the mystery is still a mystery; it happened in front of our eyes and ears, but one couldn’t see how it was all being done…Janis’ musical version of the ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame;’ the song ‘Like Any Man’ is more sophisticated harmonically than any thing heard on Broadway in years
—The Boston Globe
At the Menton Festival last August where he was officially judged biggest box-office, passing Gillels, Richter and Kempff…Last week in Paris the triumph was total as, not since Bernstein attempted the feat, Byron Janis not only interpreted but conducted the Lamoureux Orhcestra Prokofieff’s Third Concerto, turning the prestigious Salle Pleyel wild over 13 curtain calls in a tribute the likes of which Paris has rarely seen
—Time Magazine from Rademaekers, Paris
When last in Spain some years ago, we felt ourselves to be in front of a monster sacre…Today Janis, as much as being a stupendous pianist, is more than that – he is an exquisite musician
—YA, Madrid
This Chopin recital comes from another world
—Telerama
Byron Janis takes his place among the rare chosen ones again, amongst those who look behind notes if not for some new message at least the reflection of the soul, the breath of interior life
—Le Croix
A Chopin where you will be forever changed
—Le Monde del la Musique
Janis bring us an experience like no one else. He touches the dangerous boundaries of the sublime…where I believe great art resides
—Le Journal du Dimanche, Jean Cotte
Byron Janis lets you hear Chopin…his interpretation is enough for our happiness until the end of time. The others cannot compare.
—The Journal of Geneva and Gazette of Lausanne
Byron has always lived in 2 worlds. His ability to ride the winds of music and slip over the barricades that separate how and what we experience here from other, more expanded worlds has been a source of strength as he faces the challenges of arthritis.
—Maria Cooper Janis
is secret to playing for so many years despite the pain, he has one simple response – ‘It’s mind
over matter
—USA Today
As a longtime supporter and ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation, one thing I emphasize most
is that if you’re truly passionate about something, you must keep trying no matter what. Almost
nothing is impossible with the right attitude
—USA Today
In may ways Byron was like an elite athlete who, despite his pain and damage to his joints overcame the arthritis, and can serve as a role model to many,’ said Dr. Steven Abramson, Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Director of the Division of Rheumatology at NYU Langone Medical Center.
—ABC News/Health
Arthritis has taught me to look inside myself for new sources of strength and creativity,’ he said. ‘It has given my life a new intensity. I have arthritis but it doesn’t have me
—Byron Janis, ABC
Chopin’s own words perhaps describe him best. ‘Bach is like an astronomer who, with help from ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars. Beethoven infuses the universe with the power of his spirit. I do not climb so high. A long time ago, I decided my universe would be the soul and the heart of man.’ Chopin knew that climbing higher was not the only way to reach heaven
—Frederic Chopin
The kind of virtuosity that is bound to bring cheers.
—Harold C. Schonberg
Nothing short of magnificent!
—Winthrop Sargeant
Mr. Janis glitters with the best of our time. A virtuoso performance to send shivers up and down audience spines!
—Thomas Willis
Sometimes a thoroughbred sometimes a tight-rope walker, he is more often a romantic poet under the stress of pangs of genius!
—Clarendon, Le Figaro
There are precious few of the world's virtuous who can equal his ability to give a piano recital which harks to the days when pianists were pianists. It has been a long time since Constitution Hall has heard such imaginative artistry from a pianist!
—Charles Crowder
Enjoy Videos, Performances & Of Course Music
The amazing relationship between legendary pianist Byron Janis and Cuba.
Byron Janis, considered our greatest living pianist, unveils Live from Leningrad, 1960, a secret recording of his Cold War performance in Russia at the behest of JFK. Released for the first time at www.byronjanislive.com, its existence was not known until recently.
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legendary american CLASSICAL pianist
Byron Janis is internationally renowned as one of the world's greatest pianists. He made his orchestral debut at age 15 with Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra and the following year was chosen by Vladimir Horowitz as his first student. At 18, he became the youngest artist ever signed to a contract by RCA Victor Records. Two years later, in 1948, he made his Carnegie Hall debut which was hailed as an unparalleled success.
Discography
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News
Blog
Well, my music-loving friends, let me tell you a story. In my years as a pianist, I've had my music recorded on everything from reel-to-reel tape to vinyl, CDs, and even streamed on digital platforms. I've heard the age-old question: does classical music sound better on vinyl or CD? Let's stroll down this fascinating musical lane together.
As Byron Janis approaches his 95th birthday, it's a fitting time to reflect on his remarkable career as a composer and pianist. Janis has had an indelible impact on the world of music, playing for audiences around the globe and inspiring countless musicians with his virtuosic performances.
I arrived at the JA Conference and attended the Board of Directors dinner on Friday evening, July 8th where I caught up with old friends David Shuey, Chair of the Board and Dr. John Klippel, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. Dr. Klippel was surprised to learn that I was an avid baseball fan. And, of course coming from Pittsburgh, the Pirates are my favorite team.
I attended my first Juvenile Arthritis Conference last weekend in Washington, DC. What amazed me more than anything were the children that I met and spoke to. I was especially surprised to see some of them running and jumping much like any other child you’d see. Watching all these children, it was hard to believe any of them had any form of arthritis. In speaking with someone from the conference, I mentioned that, and she said that just 15 years ago it was a different story. Most of the children were in wheel chairs, but with the advent of biologic drugs, taken at an early age, these children now were either in remission or their symptoms were seriously curtailed.
Last month I was so inspired when I heard with what courage and grace President Jimmy Carter handled his diagnosis of serious cancer – and then, in spite of that, he went to teach his usual Sunday School classes. I was reminded of a marvelous and important event at the White House in 1980 when he inaugurated the Department of Education and celebrated that with a Tribute to Teachers in a “Salute to Learning Day.” I was so happy to be a part of honoring the two vital teachers in my life, Adele Marcus and Vladimir Horowitz. Six of us gave an homage to those most special people in our lives – our teachers, and we were fortunate to have wonderful ones. The profession is not given enough recognition for the responsibility it has in shaping our lives – at times even more than our parents. Good teachers are not always easy to find but if you are passionate about what you want to do, keep looking. I would like to share with you the poem that was on the back of the White House invitation:
A Tribute to an Honorable Teacher Don’t name him Teacher, say, or Speaker Unless you probe the meaning of the Word. Names mill and choke us like a restless Herd. Conceal Old Truths and Values from the Seeker. And often Pretense, Posture are preferr’d. Numbered Nothing is computed and promoted. While Truth is fear’d and Beauty goes unnoted. Remember Passerby, his Trade was Man, Owning himself like Jim, born free like Huck, Born with an Essence bigger than his Luck. Inspired by Giants when they were in the Land, Nourishing minds till Wisdom makes them Whole – So is the Man! Behold his Master Soul, Older than Time, Young as the break of day! No busy world can take his Gift away. Tom Sutherland
President Carter continues to teach us every day by the way he chooses to live his life with all his zest possible and his faith in the larger plan for all of us.
I’m very saddened by the death this week of Apollo 14’s Captain Edgar Mitchell, astronaut, pioneer, visionary. He was a friend whose revolutionary life did not stop when he returned to Earth after walking on the Moon. He was a man who did not feel that he had no more worlds to conquer.
My favorite quote is one from Chopin, “Bach is like an astronomer who, with the help of ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars. Beethoven infuses the universe with the power of his spirit. I do not climb so high. A long time ago, I decided my universe would be the soul and heart of man.”
The fight against Bigotry and Prejudice is a never ending battle. Each of us must do our part in hoping to enlighten darkened consciences. Today I applaud Bruce Springsteen . He canceled his upcoming North Carolina concert in protest of the states gender biased ” bathroom laws”! Back in March 1965 when I was scheduled to play a concert in Mobile, Alabama.Then the horrendous events of Bloody Sunday happened in Selma, with police attacking and turning their dogs on Martin Luther Kings peaceful marchers.
Wall Street Journal Articles By Maestro Janis
August 29th, 2016
In arts education, students must be taught to create, not imitate.
All musicians, even the most gifted ones, need instruction—there are no virgin births, at least not in the modern era. Instruction is the driving force behind any God-given talent’s success.
But teaching is about more than simply telling a student what to do and not do. It is surely one of the most demanding as well as important vocations of all. Parent, instructor, friend, diagnostician—these are some of the things a great teacher must be.
For press information and to schedule interviews, limited public appearances and engagements, please contact
Bettina L. Klinger 917-930-8654 bklinger@brandvarietal.com
LIVE FROM LENINGRAD CD
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BYRON JANIS LIVE: ON TOUR
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Lyrics
"LIKE ANY MAN"
Music: Byron Janis
Lyrics: Hal Hackady
QUASIMODO
I LAUGH AND I CRY... JUST LIKE YOU
I DON’T ALWAYS KNOW WHAT TO DO...
LIKE YOU I HAVE DOUBTS...
AND I'VE TASTED FEAR
I ASKED GOD, WHO MADE ME, WHY HE PUT ME HERE!
MY THIRST AND HUNGER ARE REAL
I CAN'T ALWAYS SHOW WHAT I FEEL
I WAKE UP SOME DAYS
AND ASK MYSELF WHY
AND WONDER IF I'M ONLY LIVING TO DIE
I HAVE NIGHTS I DREAM
THAT I'M MADE OF STONE
THAT I DON'T HAVE A HEART
THAT I HAVE NEVER KNOWN
HOW IT HURTS TO LONG FOR LOVE!
AND GOD KNOWS HOW OFTEN I PRAY
THE WORLD MIGHT BE BLIND FOR A DAY
AND THEY WOULDN'T LAUGH
CUZ THEY COULDN'T SEE
THAT SOMETHING LIKE LOVE...
COMES FROM SOMETHING LIKE ME
FOR ONE LITTLE DAY....
WHAT I WOULDN'T GIVE
FOR ONE DAY TO LIVE...
LIKE ANY MAN!
I'M NOT MADE OF STONE
STONE COULD NEVER BE
ASHAMED TO HAVE THEM SEE
THE WAY THAT IT WAS MADE!
STONE haS NEVER PRAYED FOR LOVE
AND GOD KNOWS HOW OFTEN I PRAY
THE WORLD COULD BE BLIND FOR A DAY
THEN THEY WOULDN'T LAUGH
CUZ' THEY WOULDN'T SEE
THAT SOMETHING LIKE LOVE
COMES FROM SOMETHING LIKE ME
FOR ONE LITTLE DAY
WHAT I WOULDN’T GIVE
FOR ONE DAY TO LIVE
LIKE ANY MAN!
LIKE ANY MAN!
LIKE ANY MAN!
BLACKOUT
END OF SCENE 6
"DAVID'S STAR"
Music: Byron Janis
Lyrics: Stefan Janis
A BARREN LAND, BEGGING FOR WATER,
OH ISRAEL, NOW YOU'RE TEEMING WITH GROVES.
SO MANY STONES BEING SPUN TO ALTER,
THE DESERT SANDS OUR FATHER ROVED.
A STRUGGLE WON, A COUNTY BORN, YES
FOREVERMORE, THROUGH ETERNITY,
OH! ISRAEL! LOOK, SEE. THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE.
ACROSS THIS LAND, WE REMEMBER,
OH ISRAEL! ALL THE PAIN OF YOUR PAST
WE DREAM A DREAM MOSES GAVE LONG AGO_O,
FOR EVERY CHILD THAT DREAM WILL LAST.
THIS IS A VOW EVERY PARENT MAKES_OH!
TO SEE THE DREAM, THE DREAM FULFILLED.
OH! ISRAEL! LOOK, SEE? THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE.
FEEL THE NEW DAY DAWNING.
HEAR THE SHOFAR'S CALL
FEEL THE DEEP YEARNING
TO TOUCH THE ANCIENT WALL.
UP FROM EVERY VALLEY,
DOWN FROM EACH AND EVERY MOUNTAIN
WE MEE, WARRIORS OF ZION
AND WE PRAY AND WE PRAY FOR PEACE.
OH! TEL AVIV. BLESSED JERUSALEM!
TWO SHINING STARS IN OUR GREAT ENDLESS POEM.
THE DESERT SANDS OUR FATHER ROVED.
A STRUGGLE WON, A COUNTY BORN, YES
FOREVERMORE, THROUGH ETERNITY,
OH! ISRAEL! LOOK, SEE. THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE.
ACROSS THIS LAND, WE REMEMBER,
OH ISRAEL! ALL THE PAIN OF YOUR PAST
WE DREAM A DREAM MOSES GAVE LONG AGO_O,
FOR EVERY CHILD THAT DREAM WILL LAST.
THIS IS A VOW EVERY PARENT MAKES_OH!
TO SEE THE DREAM, THE DREAM FULFILLED.
OH! ISRAEL! LOOK, SEE? THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE.
FEEL THE NEW DAY DAWNING.
HEAR THE SHOFAR'S CALL
FEEL THE DEEP YEARNING
TO TOUCH THE ANCIENT WALL.
UP FROM EVERY VALLEY,
DOWN FROM EACH AND EVERY MOUNTAIN
WE MEE, WARRIORS OF ZION
AND WE PRAY AND WE PRAY FOR PEACE.
OH! TEL AVIV. BLESSED JERUSALEM!
TWO SHINING STARS IN OUR GREAT ENDLESS POEM.
SING FORTH THEIR JOYS, AND LIGHT UP THE WAY
TO SEE THE DREAM, THE DREAM FULFILLED
OH ISRAEL! YOU WONT BE STILLED —- NO.
FOREVERMORE THROUGH ETERNITY,
OH ISRAEL! CAN'T YOU SEE, THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE!
OH ISRAEL! CAN'T YOU SEE, THE STAR OF DAVID SHINES OVER THEE.
"YOU ARE MORE"
Music: Byron Janis
Lyrics: Hal Hackady
YOU ARE MORE
THAN A NIGHT OF SURRENDER...
THAN A MOMENT OF SPLENDOR...
MORE THAN A KISS AND GOODBYE
ALL THE PROMISE BEFORE
CAN'T COMPARE TO THE AFTER
ALL THE RARE OF THE AFTER
LOVE DIDN'T STOP TO ASK WHY
I'VE PRETENDED TO FEEL LOVE
THAT WAS ALL I COULD DO!
NO ONE MAKE ME FEEL REAL LOVE
UNTIL...
UNTIL YOU!
I WOULD DREAM
LOVE HAD FINALLY FOUND ME
STARS EXPLODED AROUND ME
I OPENED HEAVEN'S OWN DOOR
YOU'RE NO DREAM...
YOU ARE MORE!