Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition and a celebrated piano teacher who has taught generations of musicians.
On the island
Eight records
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048: I. Allegro
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner
I'm a great party girl. I love holding musical evenings, I love going to parties, and so I want to be reminded of those wonderful moments where I was transported because I enjoyed myself so much.
Perpetuum mobile in C major, Op. 119
He has been a lifelong pupil, a loyal pupil. And I think he's a brilliant British pianist. And I'd like to say about teaching that it is the greatest profession, in my opinion, in the world.
Four Sea Interludes, Op. 33a: I. Dawn
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Bernard Haitink
I was very lucky many years ago to meet Benjamin Britton and Peter Pearce ... and he loved the sea. And so I thought it would be wonderful to include one of his great pieces.
Frauenliebe und -leben, Op. 42: I. Seit ich ihn gesehen
Janet Baker, accompanied by Daniel Barenboim
The moment I saw my beloved Geoffrey, I was blind. Janet Baker is one of the greatest artists of our time, and I'm privileged to feel that I am one of her friends.
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: I. Allegro con brioFavourite
Radu Lupu and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta
It has authority. Passion and integrity.
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major, D. 898: II. Andante un poco mosso
How can I live without Schubert?
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Chailly
This was our symphony. Whenever we heard it we used to sit in the auditorium and hold hands, because we felt it belonged to us when we first met, and it'll live with me forever.
In conversation
Presenter asks
3:20What do you feel for each of those contestants as they're walking up onto the platform?
I feel that I'm in their shoes. They've been examining every note of every beat of every bar, and I think it's one of the wonders of music that we see these dots and dashes on the pages.
Presenter asks
5:18What do you remember of the day that [Murray Perahia] won?
Well, he made that Steinway ... sound like the greatest piano in the world, quite differently from anybody else.
Presenter asks
9:59What do you remember of the home you grew up in?
Well, we were an impoverished family, really. My father came from Russia at the turn of century ... and we lived in a house that didn't have an inside bathroom. We shared the loose with five neighbours.
Presenter asks
19:54Why did you make a conscious decision later that you did not want to be a concert pianist?
The keepsakes
The book
George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith
because I can amuse myself with the recollections of so many people, with their quirks and eccentricities, who have passed through my life. Mr and Mrs. Pouter were pathetic. pretentious, pompous. And social climbers. And We've all come across these people at all levels, and perhaps we can recognize some of these traits in ourselves.
The luxury
Well, I think it's got to be a grand piano. It can be a shelter, and maybe with the lid up I can store some of my food.
When it It was really because I met my husband ... I made a decision that I would prefer to be happily married to a doctor. Rather than travel the world and live out of a suitcase.
Presenter asks
25:55What was the thinking behind starting this international competition in Leeds?
Well, I know how difficult this career is for people to get to the top. And Murray Pariah, for example, had played twice with the New York Philemoni, but he had to come to Leeds to be recognised.
Presenter asks
33:57Given the central role that [your husband Geoffrey] played in your life and work, how did life change after [he died]?
Well, at the beginning I was desperate and felt I couldn't go on, and then I pulled myself together and said he would wish me to go on, and I've never worked harder in my life.
“You don't stop working because you grow old. You grow old because you stop working.”
“The relationship between a teacher and a pupil is something very precious. You're not only a teacher, you're a psychiatrist. You encourage them in moments of despair.”
“To play an instrument, especially the piano, is an accomplishment which helps you and nurtures you all your life. It opens all doors, local, national, international.”