Franz Liszt

Rachmaninov is probably my favourite.

This is not classical, but the best pianist I've heard has got be whoever played the piano in 'The way it is' by Bruce Hornsby & The Range. If anyone has heard this song all the way through, they will know what I mean.

favorite pianist
 

leonfleisher

beethoven

Rachmaninoff

The Killer!!!!! He actually made the piano cool. Admit it, this is no easy feat

Mozart or Chopin.

Don't know too much about classical, from the little I know, I'd say Mozart. In rock/blues/jazz/other forms of contemporary music, definitely Art Tatum. Check out the skills this guy had, absolutely unbelievable, and while doing said checking out, keep in mind that the man was frickin' BLIND.


http://www.fidelio.hu/images/cikk/art_tatum.jpg

Sam, piano player in the film Casablanca (1942) ... "Please, play it again, Sam"...

Not sure if the best, but very popular indeed ! :-)