Moderiertes Konzert

„IT MUST BE SO“ - Leonard Bernstein on Guitar

Only rarely does a concert begin in such an interesting and exciting way as it did on Saturday, October 11 at the Altes Pfandhaus in Cologne. Lucian Plessner appeared modestly and simply with his guitar and for the ensuing one-and-a-half hours he enchanted the audience that had turned out in great numbers. Through the unusual and rare combination of music, song, and moderation, he took his audience on a thoughtful journey into the past. Directly addressing his listeners, Lucian Plessner told interesting and personal anecdotes from the life of the famous composer Leonard Bernstein.

Bernstein himself had commissioned Lucian Plessner with transcribing some of his works for the guitar, experiencing their premiere on the occasion of Yehudi Menuhin’s 90th birthday. Plessner’s guitar arrangement, the heretofore unknown details from Bernstein’s everyday life, as well as the lighting and ambience of the Altes Pfandhaus created a wholly unique atmosphere and yet reflected the spirit of the composer.

The initially reserved artist interpreted Bernstein in an entirely individual way, expressing the latter's sensibility and strong emotions in his own performance. Conveying not only love, grief, joy, and hope, but also a fine sensitivity towards the thoughts of the composer, the evening turned out to be fascinating, interesting, and varied. Lucian Plessner, who taught himself to play the guitar, who attended many schools, and gained a lot of experience in many countries, displayed his virtuosity with the instrument on this evening, leaving a deep impression with his extraordinary ability and his creative performance. A special treat were the pieces he transcribed from Bernstein’s “Anniversaries,” with which he enthused the audience through an especially sensitive text and great virtuosity. The absolute highlight of the evening were pieces from Bernstein’s famous “West Side Story”.
Prolonged applause was the reward for his art.