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.