Van Cliburn Finals this week

[c18cont]

Any comments on the listings of finalists?

(Three Asians, all WOMEN, TWO Italians and a Russian...)

John Cont

[missmarple]

I think that maybe people would rather discuss the way they play, not their race or sex...

[Kassaa]

One of the asians will win, the asians always win.

[c18cont]

Of course, However,

It still is a truism that some don't believe a woman can match a man in difficult piano performance..My intent here is to seek some understanding of that tired anomaly...

In addition the European tradition has only fairly recently (in relation to historical considerations), accepted Oriental performers.....

I am STRONGLY interested in the equality of mankind regardless of race and gender...

Best,  John Cont

[Goldberg]

I agree in equal rights and so on, but I think it is healthy and exciting to have and maintain cultural and, indeed, artistic disparities between cultures and perhaps gender. To me it is fascinating to study, even if just superficially, how a pianist from one nationality performs in general compared to one of another nationality. But I think observations can be made without the seemingly universal feeling of negative "racisim" or even racial profiling if you prefer to call it that. It is, in itself, an area of musicology worthy of study, that is, how people from different geographic areas developed, taugh, and now perform with strikingly different styles.

Unfortunately, nowadays most "competition pianists" play pretty much the same, which seems to me to be mostly derived from the old "Russian" school of playing, which in turn was partially developed, primarily by Rachmaninoff, from Liszt's method. While it is a perfectly fine method for playing, it really does get old when "everyone" uses it--you know, the huge arm/shoulder weight, back motion, no "real" finger control, monotonous tone, no real personality...

In a broad, general way that's how most Americans, Russians, and Asians seem to play in the competitions, and I guess it must be 100% correct because the judges all love it...I just find it boring most of the time. Going strictly by nationality (I haven't even heard any of them play) I would hope that one of the Italians took the medal, because from what I've heard they have an excellent approach to playing, less arm/shoulder and more wrist/fingers, good concise control, tremendous pedalling technique, and interesting phrasing, etc. Their tone, which is of course the most individual of all traits, always seems dry at first but upon a second glance you find it--as long as the pianist is fabulous--to be rich, deep, and well-developed, sensical.

But that isn't really a comment about the competition, which I have little interest in, and more of a general statement about cultural individuality in playing. I won't say one's better than another, but I will say that I prefer one over the other, and appreciate all different styles as long as the pianist is good, which he/she normally is in such comps!!

I did read that--two?--people are going to play Mozart concerti in the finals, though, and I also wish the best for them. I'm also glad that no Rach 3s will be whipped around, though there is a 2nd and a Rhap, which is enough to gag me...(of course naturally both will probably be played by the Italians, haha, ruining EVERYTHING!)

[c18cont]

I, as well, have little more than passing interest in the finals,

However, many do have agreater interest, and it was for the very reason's you have spoken in your thoughtful posting, that I first decided to comment on the make-up of the finalists...It IS of worldwide interest, that their gender's and nationalities are of the make-up we see...it is an area of consideration for all artist's concerns and hopes...

Best,  John Cont

[anda]

if i were gender or nationality biased, i'd say "go russians"
however, based on what i've seen so far, i'm keeping my fingers crossed for plano.

[wintervind]

If I may make a generalization most European pianists that I have seen are keen on making ridiculously choreographed gestures that in my opinion take away from the music they are trying to present. In fact, here in France they accually sell books on how to practice these gests! Personally I find them repulsive and stupid but what do I know?

To Goldberg- no kidding, enough of the rach 3 and why the he_l do people end up playing the same repertoire when there is SO much to choose from.

To be completely honest, among the competitors I chose my favorites partially based on the repertoire they chose. Haven't we beat a dead horse long enough?

[daemon]

I think it's extremely exciting and I wish all the finalist good luck.  I'll defintely be watching closely, unfortunately from home.  Even though I live here.

[chopintod]

One of the asians will win, the asians always win.

Not quite...in 2001 a Russian won (Olga Kern, I believe?); she actually tied with someone from Uzbekistan.  An Italian won in 1993.  A Russian in 89.  A Brazilian in 85. Andre-Michel Schub won in 81.  Etc. etc.  In fact, there's only been one Asian winner in the history of the competition, and he was a US citizen.  So.....although it was probably a joke, just wanted to clear up a long-perpetuated stereotype!   

[musicsdarkangel]

Kobrin and Plano all the way!!  They are the best out of what's left.

[c18cont]

Be sure to check the other thread,

It's winding down time right now...Tomorrow it's all over!

John Cont