Richter: the relationship between size and softness

What surprises most about Svatoslav Richter's playing is the delicacy of his pianissimi; not that his fortissimi lack oomph -- they don't; they are among the best, most oomphatic oomphs out there. But his ability to go from oomph to soft and sensitive without becoming soppy or saccharine astounds. Perhaps it has to do with his size: only large men with shoulders like barns and hands the size of millstones can afford to be genuinely sweet and soft. After all, their physical power -- their ability to do damage if push come to shove -- is never in doubt. It is the little guys, the less than average height, who tend to overdo the testosterone and aggression; and who cannot do soft, and will not do soft for the life of them.

(In any case, Richter's argument that he merely plays come scritto is no help in trying to unravel the mystery of his greatness. Most people imagine they play come scritto and the results vary, to say the least).