Leon Fleisher, at 90, is Leon Fleisher
mainThe Ravinia Festival paid tribute last night to one of the greatest American pianists on his 90th birthday.
He played – and nothing changed.
His former student Lori Kaufmann writes: ‘ There was more music tonight in his rests than in a two hour recital by any other pianist around today. He still has the best sound in the business, and he has a better understanding of rhythm than any musician.’
In a phone interview with Elijah Ho, Fleisher says: ‘Except for my sight, which is fast diminishing, I’m hale, hearty and ambulatory.’
What his student said is music to these ears. Rests, and how to execute well, are so very important in music making. But I notice how so few musicians of any tripe, including singers, have no clue or respect for rests.
There’s a typo in here. Or maybe there isn’t! 🙂
stripe
Indeed, when I used to play timpani and would be blessed with those movements with famous multi-hundred bar rests for my instrument, at those moments I felt like my artistry was at its zenith. (My conductors and audiences tended to agree!) 🙂
Debussy’s popular classic ‘Clair de Lune’ begins with an 8th note rest.
I heard him and Katherine do much of the same program earlier this year, and it was an amazing concert. Everything — including the rests — well sculpted, and entirely natural. I was able to see him and Katherine after the concert and he’s truly a character. Happy 90th birthday!
Many more happy and healthy years to the wonderful Leon Fleisher! Legend.