Yuja Wang ripoffs Art Tatum??

[wildman]

Some of you who have known my posts should by now recognize me as a Tatum enthusiast. One of his most charming, cool, and sleek recordings is his 1933 version of "Tea for Two" - a stunningly Mozartian take on the tune. He rapidly and intellectually develops the theme, making known a luscious substance behind the virtuosity and coolness of his playing.

As I was doing my daily takeoff from the Earth with his song on youtube, I noticed one comment - Yuja Wang played THIS.

TBH, I really don't know much about this pianist. I adore the dead, established greats, particularly Rubinstein or Horowitz, but actually am not that aware of our contemporary interpreters. But Yuja Wang rings a bell in any case, as one of today's renowned classical pianists.

At first I was like "Wut? Really? Let's find out..."

I DID find out. THIS is what I uncovered: https://www.myspace.com/yujawangpiano/music/songs/tea-for-two-86894696.

Listen to that track. It's a direct ripoff, a quote from Art Tatum's version. I don't know if I should feel offended by this, but I think I am much more glad than revolted. Tatum's music, generally obsolete by today, has been brought to life again.

 

What do you think?

Best regards.

EDIT: Sorry, this isn't a "ripoff". It's an actual PERFORMANCE. There is really a recording of Tea for Two.

[p2u_]

Art Tatum is one of Yuja Wang's favorite pianists. Therefore one should interpret her effort as an ode to that giant, a tribute to him, nothing more...

Paul

[wildman]

Thankfully, itunes has released it for download.

I have posted the video of the recording itself. Hope you enjoy:

Best regards.