Last Thursday I saw Richard Goode perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18 in B-flat Major K. 456, with the San Francisco Orchestra. There really aren’t enough good things to say about Goode’s playing. Thoughtful, beautiful, and a colorful crisp sound. But most stunning is Goode’s ability to make his ideas seem utterly natural.
Goode opted to play from the score during this performance. I am glad he did. It was not distracting in the least. While there is no doubt Goode knew the music inside and out, I was comforted by the fact that his message would not be hampered by a nervous performance psychology. I wonder how much needless torment and bad performances have emerged from valuing tradition over beautiful music making.