NVMTA Lecture Series

NVMTA presents….

Bonnie Kellert, “Leon Fleischer, Learning from the Master”

I was very fortunate to have 6 years of piano lessons at Peabody Conservatory with the renowned artist Leon Fleisher. I’d like to describe examples of what it was like to be his student; to illustrate some of the central concepts of his thinking; and to explain ideas that I’ve incorporated into my teaching and that you might want to apply to your teaching as well. Early recordings by Fleisher allow us to hear his long line, sense of breathing, rhythmic drive, excitement and grittiness, plus extremely clear finger work and most evident, his bravura sound. I will share portions of a recorded masterclass he gave at AU where I played the Brahms F minor Sonata. I will also play brief excerpts of Artur Schnabel, Fleisher’s teacher and mentor, which offer opportunities to hear the influence of a great teacher and scholar on the young Fleisher.

I hope these examples, plus my own demonstrations at the piano, help you to understand his method of interpreting the score. The meaning of the music was his ultimate goal, and to share these insights with his students.

To read more about Bonnie Kellert, please visit www.BonnieKellert.com.