http://cincinnatisymphony.org/stories/fanfare-cincinnati-articles/qa-with-leon-fleisher/?sourceNumber=15903


One of my former piano teachers, Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, posted an amazing article about Leon Fleisher.  Maestro Fleisher is appearing this Saturday evening February 6th, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  Suzanne was a student of Leon Fleisher, and that, simply says so much about her amazing ability as a pianist.

What caught me eye about the article was a question posted to Maestro Fleisher about what audiences should listen for in a piece, meaning Prokofiev's Fourth Piano Concerto.  His response was simply put, that the audience "should just kind of relax and hear whatever it is they hear.  The thing about great art and great music is that you can listen and re-listen endless times and you will hear new and different things_new and different relationships and colors depending on who's playing.  And that's one of the great riches of great art.  Just keep your ears open.

I add that, his response to that question is somewhat comforting for the amateur.  I can attend a concert, and I don't have to analyze, I can just take the whole experience in, and enjoy.  Who knows, I may come away with a small piece of something I can do to be a better pianist.  Or I can come away with the thought, that hey, I'm never going to play like that, but I can watch a brilliant pianist, and perhaps learn how to phrase a measure better, or play with greater dynamics, or really play a soft passage softly.  And in our crazy chaotic world, that just might be enough.

I remember Leon Fleisher speaking on National Public Radio after the tragic events of 9-11.  He was asked what music he would like to listen to, during that difficult time frame.  He responded with a simple "Beethoven's Ode to Joy."  I have never forgotten what he said during that radio interview.  That beautiful piece has always made a difference for me.

In this question and answer session (link listed above) Maestro Fleisher commented about challenges in his life, and concluded ....even in the darkest of moments, there is hope, and give it a chance to make itself apparent."   so, so true.  Well as Dr. Suzanne Newcomb says...when you attend a concert be inspired, and though I won't be there Saturday evening, his words in this interview are inspiring!!!