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After three weeks, we have heard a total of 72 pianists in four
cities. That means a lot of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and Ravel.
At the end of the entire auditions (we still have New York and Fort
Worth to go!), I will make a "Competition Repertoire 101" list,
which means all of the "big piano pieces" that you will listen to
in any competition: for instance Liszt Sonata, Rachmaninoff Second
Sonata, Gaspard de la nuit by Ravel, etc.
This first part of the tour has been so meaningful for me.
First, working with the jury members is most interesting. Even if
we do not talk about candidates, we talk a lot about the piano--the
piano of years past, the piano of today, and the artists of
tomorrow! We talked about the music, the choice of repertoire, the
technique, the evolution of the different schools, etc. We
naturally talked about the Cliburn, and its important impact for
artists.
Also, we listened to the fantastic repertoire of the piano. What
a treat! The repertoire is so vast, and the candidates are so good,
that they can put anything into their programs.
Listening to 40 minutes of music confirms to me that the
Screening Auditions are the most valuable asset of the Cliburn.
There is nothing like a live audition. In split seconds, each
candidate has to react to the piano, the hall, the sound he/she
generates and produces.
When I listened to all these fantastic pianists I thought: "Wow!
It's going to be fabulous to listen to them once again in Fort
Worth! And you will be there with us!"
-- Jacques
Travel tips: Jet lag? After many time zone
changes, the best way I found to manage it is to put my watch at
the right time and act accordingly. Then, if I want a
breakfast, and it is at lunchtime, I go for a burger!
Food of the day: Osso bucco and risotto
milanese + Andrea Bonatta's own wine (he produces wine)--that was
our last supper!
Quote of the day (Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is in
Milan): "I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough;
we must do." -- Leonardo da Vinci
The screening jury's "Last Supper" in Milan.
Andrea Bonatta
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