Where are the Concerts...

[shh its kaya]

Okay, as you might tell from my information dispayed to this left of this message, I'm new to this forum.  I've played piano for about 5 years (lessons) and 5 years (self taught:  couldn't afford lessons).  I'm not exceptionally good (not that great at all, I can almost play all of Chopin's Nocturne No. 15 in F#, Op. 55 No. 1... just a little bit more left to memorize), but I would love to listen to someone who is.  So I have tried looking for a listing of Piano Concerts, first in Houston, then in Texas, then in the US (I live in Houston TX, if it isn't obvious already).  I don't know where to go to find where concert pianists are playing and when.  I would sincerely appreciate any information on the topic.  However, I just want a piano concert, not a whole symphony.

Along with that request, I also would like to know if anybody recommends a performer who plays Chopin exceptionally well (in particular his Nocturnes).  Merci Beaucoup.

[squinchy]

Welcome to the Forums! [Pull up an ergonomic bench/chair-you might be here for a while.]

I'm completely unfamiliar with Texas-it really is like another country to me-but do you know of any large universities/colleges near you? (I'm sure there are.) I live near a city Yale practically owns (they should rename the place Yaleville, but there's already a Yaleville), and there's recitals, symphonies, orchestras, masterclasses, etc, playing all the time. All of them are free.

If you don't feel like watching students, you can search the phone directory for a concert hall or theater. Places like those usually have pianists.

Good luck and welcome,
Squinchy

[Saturn]

Okay, as you might tell from my information dispayed to this left of this message, I'm new to this forum.  I've played piano for about 5 years (lessons) and 5 years (self taught:  couldn't afford lessons).  I'm not exceptionally good (not that great at all, I can almost play all of Chopin's Nocturne No. 15 in F#, Op. 55 No. 1... just a little bit more left to memorize), but I would love to listen to someone who is.  So I have tried looking for a listing of Piano Concerts, first in Houston, then in Texas, then in the US (I live in Houston TX, if it isn't obvious already).  I don't know where to go to find where concert pianists are playing and when.  I would sincerely appreciate any information on the topic.  However, I just want a piano concert, not a whole symphony.

I don't really know of any website that lists all music events happening in an area.  What I would do is look up the website of the local concert hall or symphomy orchestra.  There's often a calendar of events, where you'll be able to look for any piano recitals or concerts.

Also, check the local newspaper.  They typically list any major upcoming concerts.  If you have a teacher, check with him/her about any upcoming events.

Look out for recitals at any nearby universities or conservatories.  The performers at the univs often won't be as good as "concert pianists," but the performances are also MUCH cheaper, so they're worth checking out.  Major professional events, especially ones at concert halls, can be very expensive, so only go to those if the pianist is someone worthwhile.

Along with that request, I also would like to know if anybody recommends a performer who plays Chopin exceptionally well (in particular his Nocturnes).  Merci Beaucoup.

I like Artur Rubinstein for his Chopin mazurkas and polonaises.  I like his nocturnes too, but some find them boring and emotionless.  Those people clearly don't know what they're talking about.

- Saturn

[bernhard]

Here are a few (no doubt people will add to this list):

(My subjective taste, on decreasing order):

1. Arthur Rubinstein (RCA - Arguably the best interpreter of the nocturnes, perfectly capturing the emotional and lyrical character of these pieces).

2. Claudio Arrau (Phillips – A really deep and spiritual rendering of the nocturnes, making an intriguing contrast with Rubinstein above. Highly recommended)

3. Alfred Cortot (while Rubinstein was emotional, Arrau spiritual, Cortot is poetic. No one phrases Chopin like Cortot)

4. Ignaz Friedmann (Pretty wonderful.)

5. Adrzej Wasowski (Concord Classics)

6. Ivan Moravec (WEA – some people consider this the best ever recorded set of the Nocturnes).

7. Maria João Pires (DG – Beautiful interpretations totally devoid of sentimentality)

8. Tamas Vasary (DG - Although very underrated, Vasary is one of may favourite Chopin interpreters).

On the other hand, Pollini, Ashkenazy, and Baremboin left me completely indifferent.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[monk]

7. Maria João Pires (DG – Beautiful interpretations totally devoid of sentimentality)

Yeah, Pires is really one of my favorites!

She has a HUGE and totally individual, recognizable sound.

My ex-girlfriend hated Mozart - but she really liked the disc with Pires playing his sonatas.

Best Wishes,
Monk

[tph]

For an outstanding version of the Chopin Nocturnes, that I feel ranks right up there with Bernhard's distinguished list, try to get your hands on Dang Thai Son's on JVC Victor.

Dang Thai Son is among the best living Chopin pianists today, but unfortunately his recordings are hard to find in North America.

tph

[erik-]

You should definitely get this CD:
- Chopin, Martha Argerich, The Legendary 1965 Recording (EMI) !

Then for the nocturnes, the recordings I prefer are :
- Claudio Arrau (Philips). Amazing interpretation and amazing sound as well
- Samson Francois (EMI). Very peculiar but it's unique

For the sonatas :
- Vlado Perlmuter (Nimbus)

For the piano concerti:
- 2nd concerto: Clara Haskil (Philips) - maybe not be available anymore
- 1 and 2nd concerti: Argerich (DG with Abbado, EMI with Dutoit)

For the walzes:
- Claudio Arrau (Philips)

For the ballades:
- Krystian Zimmerman (DG)

For the mazurkas:
- Rubinstein (RCA)

For the preludes:
- Pollini (DG)
- Argerich (DG)
- Nikita Magaloff (Denon)

For the etudes:
- Pollini (DG) - not very good sound but still amazing
- Vlado Perlemuter (Nimbus)  - very poetic

For the Polonaises:
- Pollini (DG)

In my view, those recordings are excellent if you're looking for complete sets. There are other execellent CDs of Chopin which are not complete sets, for example

- Arturo Benedetti-Michelangeli : Mazurkas, Prelude op 45, Ballade n1m Scherzo n2 (DG)

[shh its kaya]

Thanx for all the recommendations!  I've noticed that Philip's tends to do a good job with complete sets.

I appreciate the help.  Maybe someday, I'll be recommending performers to another newbie.

[blindmouth]

Houston is a mecca for musical concerts, especially piano performances. Check out the Preview guide in the thursday print of the Houston Chronicle. They usually list all kinds of events. www.houstonsymphony.org is also a good bet; i believe andre watts and stephen hough will be performing for the 2004-2005 season. finally, you should go to www.uh.edu/music and click on texas music festival. they should have free piano concerts listed somewhere on that page.