At 13, André Watts Played Shostakovich With 'probing interpretation and flying fingers,' Samuel Singer Wrote

[TOP: Wilmer Wise; Photo from JazzMuseuminHarlem.org BOTTOM: André Watts]

Yesterday we posted: “André Watts Plays Beethoven's 'Emperor Concerto' With Indianapolis Symphony January 20, 21 & 22, 2011.” Today we were delighted to receive a clipping from trumpeter Wilmer Wise: “Here's a review from a long time ago.........André Was 13 years old! I hope you can read it. I was about 23 or so........a long time ago!

Wilmer”

The newspaper clipping is not completely intact, but it gives a vivid impression of the playing of André Watts in a performance of a work of Shostakovich:

“At Fleisher Auditorium

Trumpeter, Pianist Earn Concert Cheer

By Samuel L. Singer

One can think of concerts where the applause the performers did get was undeserved. But this was a case where the applause for superb performances was barely adequate. So the conductor politely rebuked the audience in Fleisher auditorium Sunday night. “I don't want to remonstrate with you,” Robert Mandell told the Philadelphia Little Symnewspaper clippingphony audience, “but this is a very talented organization. In New York and other cities, the applause would be much more enthusiastic. I would like it very much if you would show them once more your appreciation.”

Plaintive Trumpet

Mandell's gentle plea brought another bow for Wilmer Wise, trumpeter, and the two-score players of Copland's 'Quiet...'”

“It is customary, when praising a young orchestra soloist, to say that he 'played with an understanding far beyond his years.' ...the youngster plays a movement from a Mozart concerto, more or less by rote from his teacher. But what else can one say when a 13-year-old plays a difficult modern work, such as the Shostakovich, with much more than mere technical perfection?

“Flying Fingers

This work, one of Shostakovich's best, has the composer's typical harmonies and his combination of 'introspection and levity.' It can be both impressive and exciting, and it was so on this occasion via the probing interpretation and flying fingers of a youth whose career will bear watching. One must also cite the brilliant playing of Wise in the important trumpet obligato.”