This week on the ASCAP Deems Taylor Virgil Thomson Award winning program Between the Keys, The Classical Network's Artist-in-Residence Jed Distler catches up with the internationally acclaimed virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin for conversation and music, in an episode that features a wide and varied selection from the pianist’s large discography, including works by Blanchet, Alkan, Haydn, Charles Trenet, Schumann, Scriabin, Medtner, Liszt and Hamelin himself.
“Marc and I met in the mid-1980s for the first time, before he became famous, although he already enjoyed a growing reputation as a superpianist who championed the piano repertoire’s nether regions with great passion and high proficiency,” Jed recalls.
Finding a time and place to meet during the pianist’s recent New York visit was a little challenging. “We were left with a 45 minute window over lunch at a midtown Manhattan diner, “ says Jed. “Fortunately I keep a tiny portable recording device on hand for such situations."
Marc comes through loud and clear over the ambience of clinking silverware and background chatter as he speaks on a number of musical topics dear to his heart. And if you’re familiar with the legendary Warner Bros. cartoon character Marvin Martian, be prepared for a surprise.
Tune in this Tuesday December 4th at 10 PM for Marc-André Hamelin on Between the Keys, only here on the Classical Network and WWFM.org.