Before Leon Fleisher launched into the familiar melody of J.S. Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" (from Cantata No. 208 he turned to the audience and announced that the work he was about to play was what he termed "one of those triple-A pieces, an anthem for anti-acrimony." A perfect introduction as everyone's knowing laugh confirmed. It didn't matter what Mr. Fleisher was referring to exactly, if anything; we were about to hear the sound of tranquility.
The evening was a warm meeting of old and newer friends and colleagues, with Fleisher leading the way (the program and guests can be found here). If you weren't present to hear Fleisher continue to make up for lost time as a two-handed pianist, you can take comfort in the likelihood that his joy in being physically able to make music with both hands again will surely drive him to the stage with some frequency. Set up a Google Alert, or something similar, so you don't get left out next time. You owe it to yourself.
Kevin Lowenthal reviewed the performance for The Boston Globe.
Thomas Garvey reviewed the performance for The Hub Review.
Update:
Caldwell Titcomb reviewed for The Fuse.
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