Angela
Some people suggested I was mad to brave the snow and a six hour train journey to hear you play in Alnwick. Perhaps I am .. or perhaps you’re just a bit special (the trip was doubly special because it gave me a chance to see some old friends).
What can I say ? I could spend all night searching for superlatives and try and describe how much I enjoyed the evening, I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t. There are some things for which words are inadequate. Seeing you perform in such an intimate space was wonderful. As you play you’re obviously deeply moved by the music, and that emotional response is mirrored in those of us who are privileged to hear you. Perhaps you should bring out your own brand of tissues ? (They’d be useful for the cold I picked up while I was there 😀 )
You have a very special gift; the ability to make people feel blissfully happy. It’s true to say that your performances greatly enrich my life, and without you there would be something missing.
Thanks for everything. I trust that all the joy you create in the world finds it’s way back to you :).
P.S. The Chabrier CD is fantastic.
I've just found your diary entry for your concerts at the Sage, both of which I attended. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit as much as we loved having you here!
I liked your analogy of the solid tree trunk (left hand) supporting the branches and leaves (right). This strong foundation was much in evidence when you directed the Sinfonia in the Bach concerto, creating a perfect partnership! Do come back soon.
I listened to a recording of your performance with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra today on my car radio, while en route from Ottawa to Toronto. My late mother,Margaret Rous, was a piano teacher in Ottawa. Back in the mid 1960's, her top piano student used to to compete against you at the Ottawa Music Festival (usually losing to you, I might add). Your music was wonderful back then, and continues to be today. It was very nice to hear it on the radio - sort of a reminder of my Ottawa childhood.
Best wishes!!!
I received the revelation of your divine art only yesterday, listening Chopin's Nocturnes.
My next days will be dedicated only to become possesor of your records. I'm an old man and I know that I'll never have the money to see and hear you in a Concert Hall , but I can dream , can't I ?
Your annotations about Nocturnes are wonderful, too.
God bless you
Dan Nicolescu
Dear Angela, I brought my wife to your stunning Mozart recital at Wigmore Hall last Saturday. It was a revelation.I had always underrated Mozart's solo piano music as being merely pretty and elegant which is how it is usually played. But you awakened the sheer drama in this music that I never realised was there, absolutely thrilling !! Also your wonderful Fazioli piano has such power and transparency especially in the bass which is just not matched by the "assembly-line" Steinways that everyone else plays.
Roll on 10 April when we come to hear you at South Bank, especially in Cesar Frank's searingly passionate Piano Quintet, surely the most erotically charged chamber work ever written.
Just bought your new Chabrier record, absolutely beautiful !
All best
Michael.
I have quite a few of your discs, and at the moment I am enjoying your Chabrier release in particular.
I heard you with the ACO in Melbourne a couple of years ago. Great program, and loved the frock!
Cheers
P.
Fantastic! Thank You for a wonderful concert in Helsingborg. Your Mozart playing was outstanding. Louise
Hi Angela,
I saw you perform for the first time in Brisbane when you played Bach with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (February 2005). I've just purchased your new double CD (the Bach Keyboard concertos for Piano with the ACO) to relive what I heard that evening watching you play (I have to thank my friend Janet for bringing me along that evening). You're amazing, and do appreciate the hard work and effort you put in to your craft. You make the world a much nicer place. Thank you!
Miss Hewitt,
I enjoyed attending your Bach lecture and recital at Notre Dame. You mentioned that you've recorded Bach's complete keyboard works. Does that include the Art of the Fugue? I'm currently working through this great work and I'd be interested in hearing your interpretation.
Best,
Alex
Angela:
I’ve been listening to your Francois Couperin CDs hours daily for the last week. Gustav Leonhardt’s harpsichord recordings of these works have been my favorites for years. I never expected to hear piano interpretations of them as compelling as yours. Many thanks for your brilliant performances (and illuminating written commentary). Likewise with your recordings of the Well Tempered Clavier. Your choices there (esp in Book II) seem to me to constitute a truly Schnabelian stroke of genius, inasmuch as you manage to rigorously articulate Bach’s contrapuntal voicings (ala Gould) with an emotional power and originality of attack that’s truly breathtaking. Like so many listeners I’ve enjoyed S. Richter’s interpretation for years but once again, in your landscapes I’m finding new discoveries to make at every turn.
Best regards,
Tom