A long time ago, I wrote few lines about Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and my fascination for this pianist. Today I propose a short video to better understand one of the things I find very interesting in his play. When speaking about pianists, we must naturally consider the direct musical result but I think the visual aspects of their playing should not be forgotten. In Michelangeli, this component is exceptional.

After a long debate with a student about musical analysis, I needed to write few lines on the topic. Why is musical analysis so helpful for musicians? Why do we often deny its necessity? Musical analysis: a musical strategy, I said, because it allows me to draw up a plan for each piece, each concert.

This video of Alexei Sultanov performing Chopin’s Grande Valse Brillante at the Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 1995 is a real treat for the eyes and ears.

Today, I propose you to watch and listen to Ligeti’s poème symphonique for 100 metronomes. Enjoy! Many thanks to Ionarts for the transcription into English:

Not much performed in Europe, this work would deserve much wider attention. George Gershwin’s Concerto in F is a work from the classical repertoire I still find neglected. Composed in 1925, this concerto will later influence Maurice Ravel to write his Concerto in G. Ravel advised Gershwin not to underestimate the importance of jazz, and it is exactly what he did in this totally jazzy concerto.

I have often talked here about the illustrious French composer Pierre Boulez, but without really going into details. So, today I’m sharing with you my favorite work by Boulez: Sur Incises for 3 pianos, 3 harps, 3 percussionists.

… And along with him, a good part of Spanish classical music. This brings me back to a time long ago, some 17 years. At this time, I used to listen to radio a lot and at the same time, I was discovering Ravel’s works for piano. Until one day I chanced upon a public radio broadcast of a concert, which took place some months before at the La Roque d’Anthéron Festival. There, Spanish pianist Rafael Orozco was performing Albéniz’s complete Iberia.

Samson François is one of the pianists from the past I especially like. He remains a constant in my musical landscape. He fascinates me, very classy, even if sometimes it is too much… Finally, a quote from Marguerite Long about Samson François: “When he plays well, no one plays better than him!”

I would like to tell you about a book I own, like any other pianist I suppose: “The art of piano playing” by Heinrich Neuhaus, very enriching bible on diverse aspects of our favorite instrument. Like many others, I read it and re-read it, and according to the age I was, I understood it differently. “Do not find yourself in the music, but find the music in yourself” he used to say. Something we all should ponder on…

Born on January 22, Henri Dutilleux celebrated his 93 years birthday yesterday. Henri Dutilleux’s work has a particular resonance for me, I just couldn’t pass by the Maestro’s birthday. I was introduced to his music very early on and I immediately liked it very much: Métaboles, Timbre, espace et mouvements, L’arbre des songes, Shadows of [...]