The Q+A: Jonathan Biss
The multifaceted pianist and writer explains how the relentless pursuit of perfection in classical music risks hindering creative growth and originality.
Read the full article HERE.
By Brian Wise
Jonathan Biss (Piano ’01) has charted a singular career: Audiences may be just as likely to hear him in recital as they are to read his latest opinion column in the New York Times or download his latest audio book on Audible. A self-described contrarian, Mr. Biss has recently written about society’s misplaced quest for perfection—and about finding artistic truth in an age of disinformation and uncertainty around AI. He expands on what has fueled his music and writing these days.
From the Spring 2026 issue
