Notes From a Curious Listener

I randomly interviewed a few people in the audience during intermission and after the concert. The first two questions are simply because I want to know how to bring more people to classical music concerts. The third is from my research on Andre Watts.  There were no "ah-ha" moments. It was kind and comfortable. Enjoy.

I interviewed:

- One of my most favorite people in the world, my Mother, Anne Konrad

André Watts is a well-known name, but why? It's because he has been playing for so very long. He, like Joyce Yang, is a child prodigy; but he is now 65 years old. He was 26 when, in 1972, he received an honorary degree from Yale University, the youngest person ever to do so. He was also the first soloist to be broadcast on nationwide television in prime time. This was on Live from Lincoln Center, a Sunday afternoon show by PBS. Watts was 30 years old and well-known at Lincoln Center, having played there almost every year since he was 16.

The first time he played at Lincoln Center was with the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein. What did he play? Liszt - the same composer featured in his recital here in San Diego on Friday, March 18th. 

Watts began playing Liszt early. His Hungarian mother encouraged him to practice by holding up Liszt as a role model. Wikipedia says, "Watts found inspiration in Liszt, adopting his theatrical playing style." I found a video showing that "theatrical playing style" which enriches the music with a quick fling of an arm here and  a whip of the fingers there. Also, his facial expressions, which perfectly fit the music, are - well - expressive! Watts clearly forgets himself when playing, focusing only on the music.  In an interview by Lucy Kraus, André Watts confirms this when talking about playing for a live audience, "My thing with my audience is that I come out, say "Hello, glad you're here. I'm going to sit down and you must all be voyeurs because you're going to hear everything I know, think, feel about this piece of music without my hiding or posturing."