When a pianist was called a poet

Before recordings could preserve a performance, a great pianist might become famous across Europe—and then almost disappear from musical memory.

In this episode, Craig Dabelstein explores Oscar Comettant's portrait of the French pianist Francis Planté, a musician whose playing was described not merely as brilliant, but as poetic. What did nineteenth-century listeners mean when they called a pianist a "poet," and what might that forgotten ideal still teach us about musical expression today?

Written and presented by Craig Dabelstein

Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young

Music excerpt: Hector Berlioz, Sérénade de Méphistophélès from La Damnation de Faust, arranged for piano by Ernest Redon; performed by Francis Planté. Recorded for French Columbia at Planté's home in Mont-de-Marsan, France, 3–4 July 1928. Matrix WL 1220-1; issued as French Columbia D 13061.

Based on: Oscar Comettant, Francis Planté: musical portrait with a pen

Translated by Craig Dabelstein

Published by Maxime's Music

Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/

Buy the book: https://books.by/maximes-music

Craig Dabelstein: https://craigdabelstein.com/

Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/