"Fraulein Heinefetter is almost completely lacking in feeling; everything sung well, every note accurately performed; purity, flexibility, portamenta; but so cold that I almost got frostbite on my nose, sitting in the front row near the stage".
Chopin, letter to Jan Matuszynski, 26 Dec 1830 (p130, Dover Edition, Chopin's Letters)
Ha! Luckily, this would not happen had Chopin had the pleasure to listen to the legendary pianist Samson Francois (1924-1970).
In this video clip, he is shown with habitual cigarette in hand, at first in rehearsal and then in concert. The attentive piano student will admire the way in which the back of his hand is kept "light as a feather", with his fingers dropping down without effort to the keys. The arms are in constant movement to carry the hands above the notes, with fluidity. (Some resemblance to the technique of Sergio Fiorentino, and indeed Francois studied in Italy for a time). The technical ease enables the spontaneous flow of emotions and of the music, giving overall a warm and fluid impression.
"Music is for me a quest, something mysterious", says Francois. Chopin would definitely have agreed!
Chopin, letter to Jan Matuszynski, 26 Dec 1830 (p130, Dover Edition, Chopin's Letters)
Ha! Luckily, this would not happen had Chopin had the pleasure to listen to the legendary pianist Samson Francois (1924-1970).
In this video clip, he is shown with habitual cigarette in hand, at first in rehearsal and then in concert. The attentive piano student will admire the way in which the back of his hand is kept "light as a feather", with his fingers dropping down without effort to the keys. The arms are in constant movement to carry the hands above the notes, with fluidity. (Some resemblance to the technique of Sergio Fiorentino, and indeed Francois studied in Italy for a time). The technical ease enables the spontaneous flow of emotions and of the music, giving overall a warm and fluid impression.
"Music is for me a quest, something mysterious", says Francois. Chopin would definitely have agreed!
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