What separates the greatest musicians from the rest?

Question

(Talking mainly about pianists) - Why are there only these (relatively) few musicians who are internationally renowned? Surely their level of playing can be matched by far more people?

Answer 1

Only some musicians have the ability to capture people. Sure, you can play your songs, but if with it there's a significance, certain performing style, the entire thing. It's a matter of truly showing meaning to people who can relate. People build you up a reputation for that, and it only gets bigger.

Answer 2

The rest just play exactly like the copy says, but a musician goes under the skin of the music and give their own interpitation into it.