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| RIP Claude Frank | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 28 2014, 05:33 AM (198 Views) | |
| George K | Dec 28 2014, 05:33 AM Post #1 |
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Finally
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http://slippedisc.com/2014/12/a-timeless-us-pianist-has-passed-away/
Many consider his recordings of the Beethoven Sonatas among the best. An anecdote from Prof. Greenberg: Frank was German-born in 1931, and his parents, seeing what was happening managed to get to Spain. One evening, and I don't remember the details, he and his family ended up at the US Embassy for a dinner. The ambassador, upon learning that Frank played the piano asked him to play something. "What would you like to hear?" Seeing that the young boy was a bit on the cocky side, the ambassador said, "How about a Beethoven sonata?" "Which one?" asked Claude. And the ambassador named one (I don't remember which), and Claude sat down and played it from memory. The ambassador was so impressed, he helped get the Franks to America. A personal anecdote: I saw Frank perform about 8 years ago. He was going to play the Beethoven 1st piano concerto. Before the concert, there was a dinner, reception and lecture. After the lecture, a receiving line formed, and I got to shake his hand. I thanked him for coming to Madison, told him that I've listened to his recordings since I was a teenager, and was looking forward to the concert. This frail little man shook my hand, smiled, and acknowledged my thanks. At the concert, he walked out, slightly hunched over, and sat at the piano. When he began to play, it was like fire came from his fingertips. It was a truly spine-tingling moment which I'll never forget. RIP Maestro! Edited by George K, Dec 28 2014, 05:36 AM.
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A guide to GKSR: Click "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08 Nothing is as effective as homeopathy. I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles. - Klaus, 4/29/18 | |
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| Renauda | Dec 28 2014, 11:04 AM Post #2 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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RIP maestro, although I am ashamed to admit I not at all familiar with his Beethoven recordings. |
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| George K | Dec 28 2014, 12:27 PM Post #3 |
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Finally
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The overall sense I get is that they are the recordings of a young man (probably because they are). It shows, however. Think of Gould's earlier version of the GOldbergs, and you'll get what I mean. I haven't listened to them in a long time, but as I listened to #8, 15, and the Hammerklavier this AM, that's what I was reminded of. |
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A guide to GKSR: Click "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08 Nothing is as effective as homeopathy. I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles. - Klaus, 4/29/18 | |
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| jon-nyc | Dec 28 2014, 12:45 PM Post #4 |
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Cheers
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I have his Beethoven sonatas. I'm a big fan. RIP Mr Frank. |
| In my defense, I was left unsupervised. | |
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| jon-nyc | Dec 29 2014, 04:54 PM Post #5 |
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Cheers
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NYT obit: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/29/arts/music/claude-frank-pianist-admired-for-performances-of-beethoven-is-dead-at-89.html |
| In my defense, I was left unsupervised. | |
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4:33 PM Jul 10