‘Pop Go the Classics’

Press, 18 March 1983, Page 6

‘Pop Go the Classics’

“Pop Go the Classics,” presented by the pianist, Peter Cooper, at the Town Hall Auditorium, March 17. Reviewed by Philip Norman.

It was a reverse case of “Look what they’ve done to my song, Ma” at the Town Hall Auditorium last evening. Peter Cooper’s programme, “Pop Go the Classics,” sought to present a number of classic pieces the way they used to sound — before they made it on to the pop charts. As an idea, it was a neatly packaged piece of rearguard action on behalf of the long-dead Great Masters: but as an entertainment, it was rather dull. The pieces presented were all too familiar and long over-exposed in all their versions for any freshness to be found.. . ’ For one who wrestled with the piano at an early

age, listening to Peter Cooper’s “Pop Go the Classics” was like thumbing through the family, album of faded snapshots. The memory of all the agonies and ecstasies of trying to tame 10 unruly digits came flooding back triggered by the sounds of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Turkish Rondo,” “Remembrance,” “Minute Waltz,” and that especially old favourite, “Furry Legs” (“Fur Elise”). It is always fun to recall the past, but unwise to linger there, and this is where last evening’s concert failed to satisfy, lingering as it did with these household relics.

The avertising that sug- '■ gested= a. request session in :the middle of the concert was a shade misleading. The audience were not given, an opportunity to request pieces as implied; rather,

Peter Cooper presented a bracket of popular pieces of the last 100 years. “The Robin’s Return," “Golliwog’s Cakewalk,” the theme song from “Romeo and Juliet,” and Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” were some of the pieces presented. As an aside, it seems to be a common misconception that ragtime should “go like the clappers,” as did Peter Cooper’s “The Entertainer.” Joplin used to write over his scores: “Ragtime should never be played fast.” There is a sensitivity about Peter Cooper’s playing that is commendable, and certainly some of the fiery pieces showed an agility that is enviable' But over all, most of the items were given what seemed to be a perfunctory airing. It was really a matter of fizz, or, dare I say it, flop go the classics.