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Pianist Quote by Stuart Isacoff

“Alkan even wrote a piece for four feet, called Bombardo-Carillon, in which the player’s legs are likely to get entangled during performance. (When Swiss-American pianist Rudolph Ganz was asked to perform Bombardo-Carillon with a female pianist, he declined on the grounds that he didn’t know her…” quote by Stuart Isacoff
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““Alkan even wrote a piece for four feet, called Bombardo-Carillon, in which the player’s legs are likely to get entangled during performance. (When Swiss-American pianist Rudolph Ganz was asked to perform Bombardo-Carillon with a female pianist, he declined on the grounds that he didn’t know her well enough.)””

Stuart Isacoff

About This Quote

Source Essay: Music and Performance Anecdotes, 1990s

A composer created a piece that physically entangles the performer’s legs, illustrating how some art pushes bodily limits.

In simple terms: A music piece can be physically demanding.

Key Takeaway

Consider practical constraints when designing performance art.

Themes

creativity physicality performance risk

Mood

playful cautious

Type

anecdotal observational

When to use this quote

  • concerts
  • dance
  • theatrical shows
  • experimental music

Key Concepts

musical composition embodiment stagecraft

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can artists balance novelty with performer safety?
  • What safeguards are needed for physically demanding works?
A Different Perspective

Physical safety may be compromised, limiting audience appeal.

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