Submitted by Shirley, Mar 28, 2007 12:42

Perahia is one of the greatest pianists of his generation. I have known his artistry up close and personal as he was a classmate at the NYC High School of Performing Arts in the 1960's. Even at 16, he would sit down at the piano in a trio capacity and shake the room playing the piano part of the Mendelssohn Trio in d minor.. and he would sight read the Chopin e minor piano concerto better than anyone had heard recorded at that time. A true poet.. an extension of the music.. no physical barriers.. a lover of the piano literature- and excelling at Mozart, and the romantic era literature.. also fabuous interpreter of Handel and Scarlatti. ( i hope my own Scarlatti disk emulates. www.fasttraxx.com/shirleykirsten mp3s.. Perahia is deserving of all the success in the world because he is always, growing, developing and evolving as a musician. Murray, if you get to read this, I say "hi" to you and hope you will get to Zellerbach again so I can Amtrak up and hear you.. Shirley Smith Kirsten Performing Arts, class of 1964 and a constant musical admirer!!!.

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