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The Serkins: Masters of Past and Present
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12581 |
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Section : |
THE ARTS
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| Issue
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6 / 1987 |
1,345 Words |
| Author
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Tom Pniewski
Tom Pniewski is a musicologist at Hunter College in New York. |
The Serkins, Rudolf and Peter, pianist father and pianist son, constitute something special in the music world today. Since their technical proficiency has been demonstrated time and again, more purely musical matters engross their listeners. It is in the areas of intellectual questioning, emotional attraction, and stylistic stance that both Serkins provide exceptional - though contrasting - stimulation.
A fortunate coincidence brought both Serkins to New York's Carnegie Hall this past April. On April 3, Peter made his Carnegie Hall recital debut. Despite the fact that his name is widely known among musicians, he has until this year chosen to perform in other New York venues, such as the 92nd Street "Y" and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Perhaps because Peter will turn forty this year he has chosen to mark the occasion by claiming full artistic recognition at Carnegie Hall.
On April 8, less than a week after his son's debut, Rudolf returned for his annual Carnegie Hall recital. The proximity of these recitals afforded a unique opportunity to compare these two extraordinary pianists.
Rudolf Serkin brings the full weight of the Viennese classical tradition to his playing. Even in his person he embodies the achievements of the city. A student of Schoenberg, Serkin performed for years with members of the legendary Busch family. He married Irene Busch, the daughter of violinist Adolf Busch, and was a close associate of conductor Fritz Busch. A decade of living and teaching in Basel after his student years in Vienna preceded his American debut in 1936. He eventually moved to the United States, settled in Philadelphia, and took over the
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