I learned of the recent death of the French pianist René Urtreger from an online post by the intrepid jazz writer Marc Myers; major media coverage was, unsurprisingly, nowhere to be found.
I saw Urtreger at the Sunside in Paris a few years back, and it may have been one of his final performances. He was unhappy with his playing, was apologetic, and said, rather pained, that it was time to retire. In fact he still had all his taste and elegance, and the crowd bathed him in its love and admiration.
I know what it's like to have seen a great performer in their final act. While it may have been bittersweet, I hope you are glad you got a chance to see RU.
I will light a Gauloises. 🫡
I saw Urtreger at the Sunside in Paris a few years back, and it may have been one of his final performances. He was unhappy with his playing, was apologetic, and said, rather pained, that it was time to retire. In fact he still had all his taste and elegance, and the crowd bathed him in its love and admiration.
I know what it's like to have seen a great performer in their final act. While it may have been bittersweet, I hope you are glad you got a chance to see RU.
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