There are so many things people are hoping for in the winner of the Cliburn. Every 4 years this veritable Piano Olympiad usually picks a winner who possesses pure virtuosity, stage presence and superb musicianship. Expectations are high for the Pianists and the pressure is intense to say the least. This year was different and also special as with both winners two myths were busted, and with one, the expectations were suddenly turned around on to us the audience……
Cliburn Redux!
Appearing on PBS this month is the documentary from the 13th Piano competition A Surprise in Texas. I was the assistant conductor for the finals and took my Zoom H2 mike and recorded some fascinating behind the scenes audio with some of the major players including an in depth interview with conductor James Conlon and some priceless audience reaction. Click below for all of the related posts (go from bottom to top). This is the stuff that did not appear on the web or in the documentary, only here!!! CLIBURN SOUNDOFF!