Yesterday, after taking part as a jury member for the Student Music Concours of Japan at Suntory Blue Rose, I walked to Suntory Concert Hall to listen to a recital given by 93 year old Pressler, who is a legend in chamber music and piano playing. To appear onto the stage and to settle into the playing seat, he needed a cane and an assistant's hand. But the anxiety of the audience disappeared quickly as soon as he hit his first note: everyone was entranced and started to listen with utmost concentration. I could almost hear the sound of breathing of people around me. How can an elderly man create such a magically rich world with his hands and feet? As the program progressed I heard some sniffles and during the encores, I saw many listened with teary eyes.
