The word 'genius' is used far too often these days. Actually, the device that sets up a piece of writing by highlighting that the word genius is used far too often these days is itself used far too often these days. But tonight I think I came closer to witnessing genius than ever before in my life.
Alexandre Tharaud, Foyles' website told prospective attendees of tonight's event, is 'Famed for his dazzling interpretations of Rameau, Bach, Scarlatti and Chopin', and thus this event represented a 'radical departure' from his norm. If I tell you that I had only heard of two of those composers, that would give you a good idea of the knowledge I bring to any classical performance I see, and I know even less about Paris cabaret, which tonight's performance 'celebrated'.
However, I know when I'm seeing something special.
Monsieur Tharaud is one of those men who would make you feel dreadfully inferior, if he wasn't so effortlessly charming that you instantly warm to him, and feel privileged just to be in his presence. I have to remind myself to swallow every once in a while so I won't drool if something surprises me, whereas even when not playing the piano M. Tharaud exudes magnetism, vivacity and grace in abundance. But it was when he took up position behind his instrument and began to play that I realised this was a human who operates - or rather floats effortlessly - on a whole other plane of existence.
I'd been rather skeptical about an evening of cabaret, but within seconds of Thauraud setting his fingers aflight all of my worries subsided. I have seen classical musicians before, but the venue - a little nook on the top floor of everyone's favourite bookshop - was much more intimate than any other into which I've hesitantly shuffled, and from our vantage point about 8 feet behind M. Thauraud in the second row we could see every dip, dance and dive of every finger (every finger that wasn't hidden by the pianist himself - we don't have X-ray vision), and it was this that set the evening apart.
I won't bore you by describing what a superb pianist is physically capable of - suffice it to say that I've simply never seen it demonstrated so capably and winningly as tonight. I enjoyed the music, but in my ignorance of all things not metal, I'm sure much of the humour and many of the flourishes were lost on me. But this is a man who has finer control than I could achieve with a magnifying glass and a pair of tweezers. A man with more wit in his little finger than you'd find in five of me. A man with greater speed... well, you get the point.
This was a superb evening, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to M Thauraud, thank you to Foyles for putting it on - for free no less - and thank you to my missus for spotting it and inviting me. Mange tout Rodney, mange tout.
