This free-ranging conversation between one of the world’s greatest pianists Murray Perahia and the renowned Chopin scholar John Rink will explore some of the reasons why Chopin’s music continues to have such a hold over musicians and listeners alike. They will begin by discussing a musical depiction of the composer by one of his contemporaries, after which they will turn to some of the principal genres in which Chopin worked, including the Etudes and Nocturnes. Issues of technique and interpretation will be broached along the way. The conversation will also focus on Chopin’s own playing as well as the approaches of legendary pianists over the ages. It will end with an investigation of two large- scale pieces which pose particular conceptual as well as technical challenges. Passages from the repertoire will be illustrated at the piano by Mr Perahia throughout the conversation, laced with spirited commentary and debate.
John Rink is Professor of Musical Performance Studies in the Cambridge Faculty of Music. He has published extensively on Chopin’s music and its performance history.
