<<  -- 5 --  Bill Newman    MUSICAL SOUNDS AND COLOURS

Changing the Repertoire

Outside the performer specialist, there are some pianists who endeavour to enlarge the scope of their output to satisfy the varied whims and tastes of audiences. Or, they might be persuaded by current trends and fashions to show their prowess in complex modern scores.

'This does not work at all with me. I feel privileged to perform the music I really love and admire, including quite recently the Nocturne by Sir Patrick Moore. We know and understand how the standard classical repertoire should sound from live performances and recordings, but can afford to widen our approach to recent music, which we know less.

'Certain artists succeed very well in their particular repertoire, becoming great performer-personalities, but I am just going to be myself whether in classical, romantic, impressionist and contemporary modern Music. Greek, African, British, German, Russian, Pop Music -- whatever agrees with my soul, providing I agree on its overall quality. With colleagues, likewise. I would love to perform Piazzolla!' So, at some future time can we look forward to an extension of composer repertoire? 'Yes, of course. It will increase my harmonic understanding and perspective.'