I remember reading in Harold Schoenberg's book "The Great Pianists" that Rachmaninoff, at a Hofmann recital, after a performance of the Chopin B minor sonata, turned to a friend and said "There goes another piece from my repertoire. It was nothing but the music, and he's the only one who can do it."
Invaluable to hear directly from an artist who was there, who heard the pianists of one of the great "Golden Ages" actually live, and who studied with some of the legendary figures in musical history.
In 1986 I attended the rehearsal of Bolet playing Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Pritchard at that years Edinburgh Festival. I have never seen to this day a more acrimonious personality clash between two musicians. At numerous points throughout the rehearsal either Bolet or Pritchard would suddenly stop and shout insults at each other. I remember in the slow movement Pritchard stopped ,turned to Bolet and said something to him ,to which Bolet completely ignored him and continued playing. Pritchard then shouted at the top of his voice ,"THAT'S VERY PRETTY BUT IT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT". At another point in the 1st movement ,Bolet suddenly stopped playing and with his left arm outstretched ,pointing at Pritchard ,he shouted "WHY ARE YOU GETTING FASTER". Pritchard muttered something to himself that I couldn't hear but I did see some of the strings smiling. The rehearsal must have affected Bolet ,because the evening performance which I also attended was full of wrong notes ,even in the slow movement. A Lady next to me asked if he always played that badly ?. I replied ,you did not see what happened at rehearsal !.
I believe the concerto is the soloists piece, not the conductor's. If a conductor doesn't like a soloist, then step down or find another soloist. Vice versa.
Mr. Bolet describing Hofmann or Rachmaninoff is the only time I ever heard him searching for descriptive terms--at a loss for words. Hearing a giant like Bolet trying to describe a "god" of the piano is quite awe-inspiring. "How do you define 'pianist""?" I love him asking that question.
It shows that not only fingers and training but the character and musical personality must be huge . Rubinstein also talks about Godowsky and that he could never play like that in 500 years and when you hear his Italian recordings from the 30's I wonder how he was allowed in to their matinees at Godowsky's home !
I think in Hofmann's playing we have a strong clue as to how Anton Rubinstein played. Though I think there is no doubt that Hofmann was also unique and very original.
Fascinating what he said at the end of this video. Unfortunately the big record label celebrity pianists today, such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Michiko Uchida and Daniel Barenboim all play like that.
I remember reading in Harold Schoenberg's book "The Great Pianists" that Rachmaninoff, at a Hofmann recital, after a performance of the Chopin B minor sonata, turned to a friend and said "There goes another piece from my repertoire. It was nothing but the music, and he's the only one who can do it."
Correct; and if you listen to Hofmann’s “test” recording from 1938, you’ll understand why
Invaluable to hear directly from an artist who was there, who heard the pianists of one of the great "Golden Ages" actually live, and who studied with some of the legendary figures in musical history.
God ,what a wisdom and truth.I am so fortunate to have heard this man live in the 80's
Same here. In the 1980s I saw him play Liszt 1 and 2 in the one concert (each side of the internal). I will never forget it. Rest in peace Jorge.
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Fascinating! So great to hear this!
There are no absolutes in music Great conclusion and wisdom
In 1986 I attended the rehearsal of Bolet playing Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Pritchard at that years Edinburgh Festival. I have never seen to this day a more acrimonious personality clash between two musicians. At numerous points throughout the rehearsal either Bolet or Pritchard would suddenly stop and shout insults at each other. I remember in the slow movement Pritchard stopped ,turned to Bolet and said something to him ,to which Bolet completely ignored him and continued playing. Pritchard then shouted at the top of his voice ,"THAT'S VERY PRETTY BUT IT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT". At another point in the 1st movement ,Bolet suddenly stopped playing and with his left arm outstretched ,pointing at Pritchard ,he shouted "WHY ARE YOU GETTING FASTER". Pritchard muttered something to himself that I couldn't hear but I did see some of the strings smiling. The rehearsal must have affected Bolet ,because the evening performance which I also attended was full of wrong notes ,even in the slow movement. A Lady next to me asked if he always played that badly ?. I replied ,you did not see what happened at rehearsal !.
Great story! Thank You. I loved Bolet. When he was on he was so magnificent.
I believe the concerto is the soloists piece, not the conductor's. If a conductor doesn't like a soloist, then step down or find another soloist. Vice versa.
Mr. Bolet describing Hofmann or Rachmaninoff is the only time I ever heard him searching for descriptive terms--at a loss for words. Hearing a giant like Bolet trying to describe a "god" of the piano is quite awe-inspiring. "How do you define 'pianist""?" I love him asking that question.
Bolet more greater then Hofmann
It shows that not only fingers and training but the character and musical personality must be huge . Rubinstein also talks about Godowsky and that he could never play like that in 500 years and when you hear his Italian recordings from the 30's I wonder how he was allowed in to their matinees at Godowsky's home !
pianopera thank you so much for this. Invaluable interview!
A fascinating interview, and some interesting observations. Thanks for the upload!
I think in Hofmann's playing we have a strong clue as to how Anton Rubinstein played. Though I think there is no doubt that Hofmann was also unique and very original.
Antons playing, based on recollections of people who heard him, ranges from god like to noisy. Too bad we dont have even one recording
'how do you define pianist?' ... yes!
Fascinating!
so interesting thank you
Very interesting. Bolet sounds more natural in conversation that he normally does. What's the date and source? Is the interlocutor David Dubal?
djc - it’s Gregor Benko, co-founder of the International Piano Archives.
MrRicksStudio Thanks.
As per the video description: 9 April 1987
Does anyone have a recording of Hofmann's 111 that Bolet discusses?
Unfortunately such a recording does not exist...
Fascinating what he said at the end of this video. Unfortunately the big record label celebrity pianists today, such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Michiko Uchida and Daniel Barenboim all play like that.
pianopera thank you so much for this. Invaluable interview!