The pianist Fou Ts’ong played a solo concert in Jordan Hall including Chopin’s Opus 35 Sonata. In the famous “Funeral March,” he made an unbelievable racket with the left-hand 
trills. They were noisy, unpleasant, almost veering out of control. In a masterclass at New England Conservatory, during that same visit to Boston, Fou Ts’ong manifested such subtly refined attention to details of sound, and line, and phrase. Everything. But, those trills in his playing of the sonata were raucous and harsh.
Weeks later, Kristian Zimerman played in Jordan Hall. His program also included Chopin’s Opus 35. Finely crafted, the whole performance was fastidious, with lovely sound and expert shaping. When it came to the “Funeral March” those trills were full-bodied, loud, and almost elegant. And, I found myself missing Fou Ts’ong! Missing the noise, missing the near loss of control, those horrible intrusions — missing the sound of Death.
A perfect illustration, as you doubtless know. Chopin only “fixed” that G-flat main note in the second trill in a student’s copy, so that rattling dissonance was there in every edition sold during his lifetime. Some element of noise must have been what he wanted. So go Fou T’song!
What nonsense ! they are just sounds and mean nothing but that “sounds”
You bring whatever meaning you want to the sounds .
I agree with you 100% !
Well, actually I don’t think so.
What nonsense ! they are just sounds and mean nothing but that “sounds”
You bring whatever meaning you want to the sounds .
Thanks 🙂
Fou Ts’ong is great pianist.
i wonder how great Fou Ts’ong 🙂
maybe i must download his music first
very nice.
The other one is good because it will control the music.The people was so quiet in that minute. I do love music!!!! music flows in my life, it elevates my whole entire life…
a great pianist, a great man.
Have you ever listened to Chopin’s Opus 35 Sonata from Turkish Pianist Fazil Say? Marvellous
Fou Ts’ong is great pianist.
I love classical music and the music of Fou Ts’ong touches the heart. and one is moved to tears. A great artist. It’s been about 40 years ago when I was allowed to do on a live solo concert. An unforgettable experience.
He has interesting ideas in every little phrase. But, I usually do not hear the structure which is by far the most important element in performing arts. I doubt if he really understands the pieces themselves.
Great pianist, but a more amazing human being!
Wow, I’ve really got to hear this guy (Fou Ts’ong) play the “Funeral March”. Sounds straight from the soul! Thanks for the post!
Thank you for another essential article.
Fou Ts’ong is great pianist.
But; I usually do not hear the structure which is by far the most important element in performing arts..
I agree with you 100% !