Leeds International Piano Finals

[melvyn]

Just a quick note to say that the Leeds International Piano Competition finals are being staged tomorrow and Saturday. The competition only takes place every 3 years, so don't miss it!

Of the six finalists, two are playing Beethoven concertos this year, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Both Piano concerto No.4.

The other finalists are playing Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 (2 finalists), Rachmaninov Concerto No.2, and Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini.

Unfortunately it is not being broadcast on BBC2 this year; but on BBC4 and Radio 3.

Web site: http://www.leedspiano.com

And to answer a recent query about the length of Piano Concerto No.4: It is stated in the programme as lasting 34 minutes!

Melvyn.

[Peter]

Thanks for that Melvyn - as a pianist, I like to watch this normally, but I shall be away this weekend - However there would be a problem anyway for me as I don't get BBC4. As it's only once every 3 years I don't see why BBC2 couldn't show it - yet another example of dumbing down - it's only a matter of time before even the last night of the proms is considered too elitist and bannished to BBC4 or scheduled for 3.00am !!

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'Man know thyself'

[melvyn]

Originally posted by Peter:
Thanks for that Melvyn - as a pianist, I like to watch this normally, but I shall be away this weekend - However there would be a problem anyway for me as I don't get BBC4. As it's only once every 3 years I don't see why BBC2 couldn't show it - yet another example of dumbing down - it's only a matter of time before even the last night of the proms is considered too elitist and bannished to BBC4 or scheduled for 3.00am !!

Yes I completely agree. I can't get BBC4 either, but I've managed to get somebody to record it for me. It won't be quite the same as seeing it live of course. I might listen to it live on the radio (if I can find it on the dial!).

In the pre-amble it says "The BBC describes 'The Leeds' as "undoubtedly one of the highlights of its musical coverage". Hmmmm - not so sure about that!

Footnote: There are 3 women finalists this year, the first time that the number of women have equalled the number of men in the finals. A woman has never yet won the competition.

Melvyn.