I discovered this amazing pianist, Yuja Wang quite by accident.

[usonian]

9. Once in a while, I find a pianist taking something slower than breakneck, and it's refreshing.

There are many pieces way beyond my skill. VERY many.

But I enjoy trying more approachable pieces. The Rach 3 is incredible. It famously drove David Helfgott off a cliff for a while. I stumbled upon a CD of him playing this piece, but I concentrate on easier things.

Competitions drive ME crazy just watching them. My sympathetic nerves jangle.

I had a brain-fart moment as a kid at a recital in the piano teacher's home.

Not with the Schumann concerto as in Madama Sousatzka the movie. I think I took it in as much stride as a kid could. I remember chewing some ice cube, School kept me busy for a long time, and I came back to playing. After many years, I did have a breakthrough with sight reading, which was a real mental block with me. Of course, performers memorize entire pieces. Wow. No ipads at concerts.

I am happy with piano as a hobby. It keeps me ♯.

My Dad was an artist, and had his own unique style. Art is self-expression in my book, and I eschew competitions, even the renowned DU photo contests.