For those of you following the Warsaw International Chopin Competition, I’d like to draw your attention to another competition - the Second Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition for Young Pianists, which takes place October 8th through the 11th at Lincoln Center’s Rose Studio in New York.
 
Shortly before her death in July 2003, Tureck herself appointed pianist Golda Vainberg-Tatz to serve as the event’s director, and the first competition was launched five years later in 2008. Pianists from age six to nineteen are invited to compete, and I must say that this year’s level of talent seems pretty impressive, regardless of age. I’ve been privy to a few “sneak previews,” so to speak, among the semi-finalists scheduled during Friday and Saturday’s marathon sessions (from 10:00 AM until about 7:00 PM). I can tell you in advance that Tomomi Sato and Kadar Derek Quian already have a solid handle on the Goldberg Variations, and are not afraid to broach this music with a playful and daring spirit. They also prove my pet theory that Bach tempos sped up worldwide by ten percent after Tureck died!
 
In addition to the required Bach repertoire, each candidate is asked to prepare one contemporary piece of their choice. If that sounds “unTureckian,” remember that Tureck championed a lot of music of her time before eventually narrowing her performing focus on Bach’s behalf. Most of these kids have picked relatively conservative, non-confrontational fare. I guess that’s understandable, considering that if you’re going to be judged for your Bach playing, you’re more than likely to spend most of your waking hours practicing Bach, and Lowell Lieberman is much easier to get under your fingers and brains than Frederic Rzewski In any event, the winners will be featured in a Gala Concert held at 7:00 PM on the 11th. Click the link for the full schedule.