The ego of Leslie Howard!

[sevencircles]

I read recently that he bragged about having a larger repertoire then any other pianist in history.

Sound like hybris to me or can he really back up that claim.

[prometheus]

He recorded all Liszt piano pieces.

[ahinton]

I have no idea (or really that much interest) in just how many pieces this, that or the other performer may have, or claim to have, in his/her repertoire but I do think it important that any consideration of - or claims in respect of - anyone's repertoire extent need to be taken alongside what is supposedly meant by "having" x number of pieces in the repertoire. In one sense, it may be that it is only reasonable to claim to "have" certain pieces in one's repertoire if one has them in it here and now; some performers may have played certain pieces once only and then never touched them again in many years - would those pieces count? Another factor is the extent to which performers can learn pieces rapidly to an acceptable public performance standard. Leslie Howard is a distinguished Liszt scholar who has indeed recorded just about every known note that Liszt wrote for the piano and, of course, he also has a considerable amount of music by other composers in his repertoire. Have a look, however, at the repertoire claimed by Ian Pace on his website - and then consider the colossal repertoire of John Ogdon (who, had he lived, would have reached 70 next week); John's rate of absorption of music was truly phenomenal - he could not so much just play all kinds of challenging music at sight but actually perform it at sight - in other words, he seemed able to make interpretative decisions without apparently having the physical time that most normal mortals would usually need in which to make them.

Best,

Alistair

[gruffalo]

Leslie Howard is a rather dull and un-inspiring liszt performer. i am not sure whether this is because he want for quantity rather than quality (by recording entire liszt works), but he sure as hell shouldnt be proud or arrogant about it.

[thalbergmad]

Leslie Howard is a rather dull and un-inspiring liszt performer. i am not sure whether this is because he want for quantity rather than quality (by recording entire liszt works), but he sure as hell shouldnt be proud or arrogant about it.

Me agrees completely and after buying about 5 of his Liszt CD's, i vowed to stop.

His performances tend to be on the safe side. The various "At the Opera" CD's are totally un-moving. Perhaps the enormity of his task got the better of him and the music suffered.

I love Liszt, but would have to admit that he was capable of mediocrity. When coupled with mediocre playing, the effect is difficult to listen to.

Thal
 

[mikey6]

My old teacher is a friend of his and he has told me that Howard has about 90 concerto's ready to be performed at ay given moment.  That is pretty impressive.

[liszt-essence]

He recorded all Liszt piano pieces.

And they SUCK

[ramseytheii]

I read recently that he bragged about having a larger repertoire then any other pianist in history.

Sound like hybris to me or can he really back up that claim.

Actually I wouldn't be surprised if it is true.  I've seen Leslie Howard out of nowhere play such little knowns as Liszt 2nd Mephisto Waltz, or Liszt's Fantasy on themes from Figaro, which is basically like the whole book of Liszt excersices adapted to Mozart melodies.  Awful!  But Howard did it without any preliminary practice or immediate warming up.  Also Rachmaninoff 1st Sonata.

If he can back it up it isn't bragging.  As Donald Trump said, "I'm worth many billions.  That's not bragging, it's just fact.  I'm worth billions."

Walter Ramsey

[prometheus]

You can brag about facts. Actually, they are the easiest to brag about.

[henrah]

Isn't it usually the case that facts being told are thought of as being bragged because they are facts that make us look good? Like if I were to state a fact that I have an IQ of 138 (those internet IQ quizzes never are any good, so I've no idea what my real IQ is) that would be thought of as bragging because it is a high IQ (at least that's what I think - again a fact of my opinion that might also be thought of as bragging). If I were to state a fact that I had an IQ of 100, nobody would accuse me of bragging because it's nothing to brag about.

Bragging is subjective, and the opinion originates from those being bragged upon.

[liszt-essence]

If he can back it up it isn't bragging.  As Donald Trump said, "I'm worth many billions.  That's not bragging, it's just fact.  I'm worth billions."

Walter Ramsey

Donald trump is an idiot. Anyway, if you brag about something that's not a fact or an opinion, you're just a liar.

[pianowelsh]

Oh another in the 'the ego of ...' series.  I hope leslie doesnt visit here!!

He certainly does have a huge repertoire and I have heard from a source that he does in fact have about 90 concertos up his sleeve. Hough is another with a prodigeous repertoire list But whether you enjoy their playing well thats really up to the listener. It isnt a point of ego to express the truth... If he has on paper the largest repertoire list of any living pianist well good for him. Though what that actually goes to proove I have no idea. He can remeber the most notes in the right order maybe?!?!?