Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 9, No. 3. April 13, 1946
Chopin Recital By Robin Jansen
Chopin Recital By Robin Jansen
If Ignace Friedman's prediction that "the mantle of Beethoven will fall on Jansen" is justified, then Constant Lambert's dictum that music is in a decline will receive an unprecedented boost.
Jansen played on a mediocre instrument, but even mediocre Instruments do not excuse wrong notes. Jansen's speed in the "Grand Polonaise" was a shock to the susceptibilities. He was restrained in his approach, and admirable thing when playing Chopin, and a welcome change after the usual hotchpotch of lush emotionality that arises like some horrible phœnix from the clash of poor, defenceless Chopin and the mighty ego of the pianist; the superimposing of the player's emotions over those inherent in the music.
Jansen is not a great pianist. I wish him success, however, for I believe that he has not yet reached the ultimate of his potentialities.—L.A.P.