Doing Classical for Folk.

I realised some time ago that, for me, the problem with classical music is that for all its undoubted beauty and skill, it belongs to the high culture tradition. As I see it, that means the composer, the performer and the listener effectively occupy different spaces.

And then I found this clip on YouTube. Valentina Lisitsa, widely recognised as possibly the greatest pianist of our age, is giving an impromptu performance for commuters at St Pancras station on an old upright with a sticking key. Seems she got over the problem, and it’s riveting.

You don’t have to watch it, since the point is made. But if you’ve got ten minutes to spare and you like the idea of bringing high culture to a more egalitarian level, it’s well worth the time.