THE GREATEST REWARDS
Earlier this week, the musical world said goodbye to a legend. At age 94, pianist Alfred Brendel shuffled off his mortal coil leaving behind a depth of musical output that by today's standards seems impossible. He recorded the complete 32 piano sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven three times. He performed around the world tirelessly, with more than 80 performances at Carnegie Hall over a span of 30 years. He was also a lecturer, poet, essayist, and philosopher - all of which were abilities you could hear in his music-making.
His performance style wasn't flashy, but rather highly sensitive, deeply thoughtful, and honest. Some people found his interpretations to be too serious, but he adored humour (he apparently had a little skeleton hand inside his piano at his home in London that would pop out unexpectedly when people would open the lid!) and was quoted as saying, "After love, music and humour are the two greatest rewards in this life."
Here is the first of two articles about the man:
And here he is with a performance of Franz Schubert - a composer's voice that he knew intimately well.
While I never met the man in person, I did work a few times with his son Adrian, a world-renowned cellist. In fact, Adrian helped young Stratford cellist Vanny Hu with an online lesson during the COVID lockdowns (something we organized for her through the SSM offices). Adrian, we send you and all the family our condolences.
Here is another great article to listen to (or read) about the legend.
If you want to hear the piano this summer played by world-class talents, SSM has you covered. There are many opportunities to hear the piano played as well as it can be - the Bergmann Duo perform on our Opening Night and our special production of Carnival of the Animals! Stewart Goodyear performs J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations. John Novacek plays Rhapsody in Blue. Michael Kaeshammer brings his boogie-woogie best... there's lots to choose from. Here's a link to our website that gives you more information:
Wishing everyone a great weekend!
Mark and the SSM Team
Staff Pick
Carnival of the Animals
BUY TICKETS HERE
My daughters and I cannot wait for Carnival of the Animals this summer. I can’t recommend this event enough for parents. What better way to introduce young ones to the magic of live music than with Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals? It’s playful, funny, and filled with musical depictions of lions, kangaroos, even a swan, and more. The incredibly talented Bergmann Duo will bring the music to life on two pianos, and the narration by poet and rapper Idris Goodwin will keep kids totally engaged. Plus—there’s a petting zoo afterwards! It’s the kind of experience that makes music feel fun for all ages. So grab your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and make a day of it. See you there!
Lindsey Martchenko
Fundraising Consultant | Stratford Summer Music
Sponsor Highlight
Mary Hofstetter and David Riggs
Today we recognize longstanding donors to Stratford Summer Music - Mary Hofstetter and David Riggs. Mary and David have been supporters of the arts in many forms across this country for decades. Music holds a special place in their hearts. As lovers of music in many genres, they appreciate the diversity and excellence of programming offered by SSM, and its dedication to fostering new generations of music lovers. “As SSM celebrates its 25th anniversary season, we treasure its unique importance in the Stratford cultural landscape, and want to ensure it continues to flourish.”
