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The speakers ranged from University of Miami harpsichordist/musicologist
Frank Cooper's genial presentation on "The Lure of the Piano"
and Norman Lebrecht, author of the controversial 1997 book
"Who Killed Classical Music?" to a final witty presentation
of their favorite pianists and music for the piano by U of
M's stellar artist-in-residence, Ivan Davis; retired critic
and authority on Maria Callas, Giancarlo Menotti, Wilhem Furtwaengler
and others, John Ardoin, and Mr. Cooper.
In addition to an opening night Gala, there were informal
receptions each evening, and audience members mingled freely
with the various participants.
Those attending - including all of the pianists, when they
were not performing - had warm, familial attitudes. The problem
was that there was simply not enough audience, or potential
managers to make the experience as rich for the talented artists
as they deserved.
The guiding spirit behind the Miami International Piano Festival
of Discovery is dynamic Giselle Brodsky, with the cooperation
of Agnes Youngblood of Community Concerts, and others.
A two-CD set featuring performances from last season is available,
as is a video. Both are entitled "Masters of the Keyboard,"
and the splendidly recorded performers include Piotr Anderszewski,
Denis Burstein, Memal Gekic, Ilya Itin and Francesco Libetta.
For information, phone 305/935-5115.
Perhaps the best news is that Ernie Gilbert, the imaginative
head of VAI video and compact disc company, filmed and recorded
every moment of the five recitals, and will use his outstanding
editing gifts to produce a CD or two and a film for expected
future presentation on Public Television.
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