John Ogdon, Terence Judd and Hariette Cohen. 3 jewels of UK pianism and musicianship. John was among the best interpreters in the world. I'm glad to listen to his playing of Brahms, Rahmaninoff and other composers. His spirit is so above the average.
It's a pity that the interview was all about private things these people were going through. Instead of talking about so many things in their artistic lives.
Poor Sue Lawley simply hadn't a clue as to the calibre of the people who was before her and was obviously overwhelmed by one aspect of an amazing short life. She couldn't grasp the redemption that John had achieved. Mrs Ogdon was splendid in enlightening Ms Lawley that despite John's ill health in the past, this illness facilitated a new dimension in his character and in their lives as musicians. This was made obvious at 16:18 where Brenda looks at John in a very beautiful way at the end of their performance.
@Rhydian Harker tbh, it was only afterwards after watching the video a 2nd time I realised the sheer indecency, insensitivity and downright unprofessionalism of Ms Lawley. Mrs Ogdon was clearly upset which is also reflected in her face at 12:39 as if to say what the hell is coming next from this gestapo interrogation. Ms Lawley owes these people an apology because it is precisely this type of prejudice that has mental illness as a taboo in society even today. Shame on Sue Lawley.
What a Brilliant performance and what was also impressive was the camera work that juxtaposed their hands playing the passages with such synchronous perfection. My mother was give. Electric Shock Treatment. It was routine for treating mental disorders. The circumstances under which it was administered were often dubious. That It’s still practiced today is outrageous. The interviewer was doing a difficult job. Sue is right! back then, mental illness was thoroughly stigmatised. It was an awkward interview but it was probably unprecedented. Things are easier now and we talk about mental health more honestly and more openly. This performance and interview is proof that they were exceptional people in many many ways.
Thanks for posting Brenda! First time I saw this. I wish they'd show the Virtuoso drama again. Only got to see John perform once. I will always remember I was actually listening to a cassette of John performing when I noticed him on the television announcing he'd passed away.
I remember this when broadcast: late 1988? (Reference is made to the film "Virtuoso" which starred Alfred Molina as John). Sadly he didn't last much longer after this.
Wonderful musicians. Sue could have asked so many interesting questions... but didn't. Just the mental health aspect, which was a shame and a missed opportunity.
@@harmonykrieg I wrote my comment before I read yours. I think a presenter would be "canceled" nowadays if the same probing and insensitivity was initiated. Personally I think this interview said more about Ms Lawley than it did about the virtuosos and survivors of illness. If you look at Mrs Ogden's face at 12:40, she looks terrified as to what is coming next from the interviewer. Shame on Ms Lawley frankly and she owes Mrs Ogden a public apology for this interview even at this late stage..
Lawley, ever the Fleet Street hack going for the jugular. I stopped listening to Desert Island Discs when the cow was presenting it - unbearable. Always digging for something sordid like a smutty tabloid reporter. With her received pronunciation and heavily suppressed Black Country accent hahaha.
During much of the 20th C, strong drugs were given in a very light way and shocking treatments were applied to ill people such as John. I mean, I understand he needed them but I guess those harmed his health deeply. I wonder if he'd lived today something else could have been done.
Unless one plays l doubt one appreciates what such playing demands. Barring his breakdown one wonders what things might have come to pass on the keyboard in latter years.
Sadly, a very uncomfortable and awkward interview [re: interrogation] - really putting Brenda on the defensive; really miserable interviewer. {{ Definitely not, it appears, a pre-agreed format.}}
Tyson de grasse made the stupid comment that the people jesus healed were not devils but people with mental illness. Did he ever understand the implication of that remark i wonder?
@@simmo303 Agreed. Ignorant as well as stupid comment. If it wasn't for his wife, the British authorities would have let him die in a horrible institution. She saved him and she deserves to be recognised for this. Ms Lawley should apologise to Mrs Ogdon even at this late stage.
