One of the most often told stories in Classical Music is the time that Peter Tchaikovsky played a bit of his now famous Piano Concerto No. 1 to his friend and mentor Nicolai Rubenstein who, unexpectedly, advised a whole sale revision of the work. Heated words were exchanged with Tchaikovsky promising not to change one note (he did eventually) and a close friendship was damaged, possibly forever.
What isn't mentioned is what came afterward. On the Piano this Sunday I follow the rest of the story with Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein regretting their harsh words and the brilliant music that followed; Tchaikovsky inspired by Nicolai's stunning virtuosity and gifting the word with amazing and difficult works for piano and orchestra.
Hear that and the composer's heartfelt tribute to Rubenstein on the Piano this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
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