As Steve reminds us, Jon Nakamatsu recounted last night that some juror had told him that a Japanese man didn't have much business playing Chopin. Ken pointed out to Steve that he had no Chopin in his programs. But he did bring the next best thing: a little ditty from Chopin's next-door neighbor, the redoubtable Charles-Valentin Alkan. Ken's all smiles, and looking relaxed and ready to rock and roll in a blue shirt and black parts. And ... he's off! Ken's launched into this piece with real bite. He's clearly going to let er' rip with this unusual romantic rarity (and potboiler). I've certainly never heard it performed, and I'd be surprised if anyone else in the room has. A little boundless enthusiasm gets you far. Alkan: Etude in g#, op39n8 Ken's off and running now, having cruised through the first 30 bruising pages or so. In some of the lyrical spots, this sounds like stream of consciousness Chopin. And then, suddenly — wham! — it blasts off again sounding like one of those 88-fisted robots breaking in a piano action at the Yamaha factory. Some of the textures are Saint-Saens like. No doubt I will never hear this piece played better, in part since I can't imagine ever hearing it played again. Ken's command of the piece is genuine, and he's making as much music as one can. It's a considerable feat to play it from memory. But what a fascinating and rare glimpse into the bizarro world of one of the most enigmatic pianist-composers of all time. Sort of a precursor to Sorabji. Or Nancarrow. I predict the tuner will have a look at the piano after this. We're up to page 58 now. There's about 10 pages of machine-gun repeated notes coming now. What a strange piece. I'm struck by Alkan's inability (maybe indifference would be a better word) to find a winning melody, or develop a larger form. Ken is hurtling towards the finale now. It's going to be a biggie... Mercy!!! All kinds of bravos and a great throng of standing fans, too. It's safe to say that the prize for Loudest Performance Ever of the Most Unusual Romantic Work is all buttoned up. And yes indeed, here comes the tuner for a spot check. — MH

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