RIP Earl Wild, the great American pianist who has died at the age of 94. There’s a perceptive and thorough obituary on the Gramophone site, written by Jeremy Nicholas and another excellent one from Allan Kozinn at the New York Times so do have a read.
Here is some film of him playing the Chopin B flat minor Prelude in 1958. It’s astonishing…I’m struck by the absolute calm of his aspect while the bedazzlement on the keyboard never ceases. Today’s emoting youngsters, take note: concentrate the energy where it really matters!
Farewell to a marvellous musician.
