Rupert Egerton-Smith plays Scarbo by Ravel

[mrmolinodelahoz]

the matter of professinal and amateur musicians is a reflection of our society.

although we are now 6 billion people on the planet, the music education of the general public can only support people like Amy Winehouse, Madonna, and such.

There are literally hundreds of brilliant musicians but the public is not prepared to absorb this great resource in favor of popular rubbish.

[Pischnaholic]

You are probably correct. I have sadly noted the deterioration of Public Television which used to be a refuge from the crass commercialism and blatant vulgarity that overtook us more than fifty years ago.

HOWEVER, like thin veins of gold embedded in rock and diamonds buried deep in layers of dirt, phenomena such as Bach, Mozart, Ravel and Rupert Egerton-Smith, et al. always have been and always will be a rarity.

There are more weeds than flowers. Does this diminish the beauty of the blossoms?

[Pischnaholic]

At the risk of sounding trite there have always been more weeds than flowers in Nature's Garden. That's obvious, so why emphasize it?

We should, instead, be grateful for the notable exceptions -- like Mr. Egerton-Smith -- who help prove by their manifest superiority that there are threads of gold that make life beautiful for those with eyes to see.

Oscar Wilde said, "Whatever is popular is wrong."

I think he was correct.

[Pischnaholic]

Well sure, but look at it this way: Given a clear choice would you rather be Elvis, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen -- or Rupert Egerton-Smith?

In earlier times I would have said, "Would you rather be Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield -- or Katharine Cornell?

Same idea.

Gems are rare. Dirt is common. Don't fret about it, just be glad you know the difference.

[OrangeSodaKing]

Wow. That was very impressive. He really knows what he's doing, and he's one of the better amateurs out there. Thanks for recommending this video to me, Pischnaholic!

[Pischnaholic]

After listening to virtually all the available readings of Scarbo on YouTube many times, I find this one by Mr. Egerton-Smith to be the most satisfying in that it manages simultaneously to be poetic, virtuosic and individualistic.

Michelangeli's very great performance recorded in Prague is certainly darker and more demonic, and others (very sadly) are faster and more aggressive, but EgertonSmiths is no less compelling for any of that -- his piano SOUND is glorious.

BRAViSSIMO!

[Pischnaholic]

After listening to virtually all the available readings of Scarbo on YouTube many times, I find this one by Mr. Egerton-Smith to be far and away the most satisfying in that it manages simultaneously to be poetic, virtuosic and individualistic.

Michelangeli's performance recorded in Prague is, perhaps, darker and more demonic, but no less compelling.

Mr. Egerton-Smith's Ravel is absolutely first class.

[Pischnaholic]

Scintillating!

Sinister!

Stunning!

SUPBERB!

[stevethedondo]

wow. this is really just outstanding! good for you!

[Pischnaholic]

Absolutely the best performance of Scarbo imaginable. This man plays with perfect control --- a wonderful range of dynamics, beautiful phrasing, wide variety of tonal coloring, powerful climaxes, top flight virtuosity and a great understanding of the dark phantasmagorical aspects of Bertrand's poetry.

I've heard Michangeli and De Larrocha perform Gaspard in New York and Mr. Egerton-Smith ranks high among them.

First class!

[englishplayer40]

in that case how the hell do you differentiate amateur from professional. it is BS. These 'amatuer' competitions are always going to be won by someone of 'professional' standard. So a professional (if he or she is unfortunate enough to be earning an income from teaching music instead of earning a big wage as an MD) could enter one of these 'amatuer' competitions if he or she relinquished their teaching clientele. now i get it.

[Hervinbalfour]

Well check this out. I graduated from the SFCM at 17. I haven't played piano in many years however I can still play very very well. I don't make a living as a pianist nor do i teach. However I was taught to play with a professional standard and when you are competing you are expected to still be held to a high standard. I dont understand the problem. Either step your game up or quit.

[Pischnaholic]

Your point is ill-taken, although I'm glad you recognize the great skill exhibited here.

Do you think amateurs ought by nature to be clumsy, insecure, sloppy and inept in order to qualify?

Mr. Egerton-Smith and most of the other contestants hold down responsible jobs, yet they still manage to play well. Why that should disqualify them is beyond the imagination of a reasonable person.

Would you prefer it, if a Special Olympics sort of competition were held for limited pianists?

[Emar4]

What is Mr. Egerton-Smith's background?

[regerton1]

hello. I am a business consultant with a law firm in the UK...

[shishirth]

I don't usually like Ravel too much, but this was a great performance

[Pischnaholic]

I couldn't agree more, Shishirth, and I've been trying to say so for months. I've heard no readings of Scarbo I admire more. This is absolutely stunning. RES's Ondine is exceptional too. He finds the beauty in this music. It's not just pianism.

[themusic4love]

very impressive, especially for somebody who's management consultant. nonetheless, I find this interpretation too affected for my taste. by overshowing what you like, you loose the effect. lacks power and contrasts imo. congratulations though !

[chad410]

an amateur?

[Bostonpianoamateurs]

In the amateur competitions, theword "amateur" is meant in the best sense of the word. ie doing this for the love of it rather than earning one's profession. It in no way means an amateur or low standard. Many contestants have natural musical ability and some have been to conservatories and have degrees or diplomas.