Newly-weds Have Two Pianos, Talk In German

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30739, 1 May 1965, Page 2

Newly-weds Have Two Pianos, Talk In German

"The Press" Special Service

WELLINGTON, April 30.

The Hungarian-born New Zealand pianist, John Cegledy, and his Japanese pianist bride, Reiku, use a fourth language to communicate with each other —German.

Mr Cegledy says his Japanese is not as good as her English “by a long chalk.”

“But it’s very charming.” put in Mrs Cegledy, shy but quick to comment.

They were married three months ago in London after meeting at special piano classes held in Germany by Andor Foldes, the internationally known concert pianist. Andor Foldes takes only eight to 12 pupils for two days a month. At that time, his pupils practised for up to six hours a day—sometimes more. “Always a bit too much,” says Mr Cegledy. Now the couple practise for three or four hours a day.

There are two pianos in the Wellington house they returned to a month ago, but it is impossible for both of them to practise at once, says Mr Cegledy. One must always take advantage of the many private offers of pianos they have received, or the N.Z.B.C. piano at their disposal. Would Mrs Cegledy stop playing professionally eventually? “I’ll stop at 80,” she says.

Mrs Cegledy is the only child of a musical family in Tokyo. Her mother teaches music at primary schools and her father at secondary school.

The couple now hope to build up a repertoire playing

together, at the same time continuing with their solo work.

Mr Cegledy, who is 27, and his 22-year-old wife expect to stay in New Zealand for about 18 months, and then to visit Japan where he Will meet her parents. They hope to be free to move around the world for a few years to come.

What did Mrs Cegledy see in the future? “Pianos,” she said, laughing.