A Competition Rarity

It is interesting to watch piano competitions through the years and see the fashions of classical music. One can be lulled into a mindset that since the notes haven't changed the music is eternal. That is partially right, but just listen to the Beethoven Symphonies from the war years as conducted by the musical dictators of the era, Toscanini, Furtwangler and Mengelberg. The works are militant, powerful and at times hysterical. Interpretations have calmed over the years and for better or worst, reflect a more peaceful world. Piano competitions have there fashions; consider the glut of late Beethoven Sonatas or Gaspard del la Nuit and authentic versus transcribed Bach. On the Piano this Sunday a competition rarity, Schubert's late c minor Sonata brilliantly performed as well as Bach in transcription and Chopin.

The Piano this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.

host Randy Anderson