Notes from a recital in London with yours truly.

A request to give a short recital from an old friend from student days in London found me in Hammersmith, just west of central London. Brook Green is an area tucked away beside a long narrow park, around which abound old studios built as artist's ateliers back in the 19th century. I played in Applegarth Studio, a fabulous space with two grand pianos, one a Steinway of years but great distinction, and the other a Boesendorfer that Liszt performed on in London. I chose the Steinway, as the ghost of Liszt was a bit daunting. I have been performing the first movement of the great Fantasy of Schumann this Spring,and for once I was satisfied. It takes so much tension, physically and musically, to bring this off. It was an outstandingly warm evening for London, but I played and did not notice the heat or anything else. I think living in South Carolina gives us a special stamina when it comes to heat. I also played a group of Chopin, and also some Preludes of Debussy. I ended with three songs of Jerome Kern, which I arranged very much in the style of the times when they were written. We hear these great songs so pulled about today as regards to phrasing and rhythm, it is perhaps a shock to hear the simple four square rhythms done in a straight forward manner. To play for Londoners is daunting, as they hear everyone, and often one still runs across older people who remember quite a few of the Immortals as well. One man came forward to tell me he had just heard the Fantasy at Snape Maltings (Aldeburgh Festival founded by Benjamin Britten) and mine was much more profound. Well, I have played for 60 years and no one has ever said my playing was profound! He then suggested I come back and play an all Debussy program next season. What a surprise and such an unexpected consequence.