At the concert I attended, pianists involved in this work across different countries performed a variety of pieces. However, I was left with many questions regarding the quality of the performance, the level of preparation, and the respect shown to the audience in presenting the music in such a way.
Perhaps in the environments where they usually perform, this level is acceptable, and the context itself plays a different role — amateur and professional music-making are not measured by the same standard. But when an artist appears on a central concert stage in a city — where there is a strong likelihood of an audience that includes professional musicians — should they not be held to a different standard of preparation?
Or do musicians have the right to perform at the level they have reached, with all forms of artistic expression being equally valid? It is the same question I keep returning to with the students in my piano lessons in Zug: what does it actually mean to be ready to play for other people?
