“Do you like Chopin?” The public review on the performance

“Encounters.

In every person lie hidden treasures, which can be revealed to oneself or others. One way or the other, these can enhance self-development … Some do not even realize what they possess , what exactly lies inside of them and while they fuss over the fact that many valuable people choose to leave, they do not even believe that the city’s improvement or development lie in their hands, as well. And again, there are others who already know who they are and what they can do and choose to use this advantage in their benefit – “because they can, it belongs to them” … There are those who choose to remain unknown, polishing and keeping the treasure hidden from the eyes of the world thinking that it is not such an important thin and nobody is interested in it … Instead, there is another category of people, showing even to the commoners the talents God has given them while the nice, little people applaud, marvel at them thinking how lucky and blessed are those … But fortunately, there people happy to share with others their gifts, while these will eventually grow to be better.

In case somebody wishes to meet such a person or is ready to live such an experience, I gladly recommend Zoli Thurzó’s spectacles. He will be part of a well arranged musical production, not just an unknown face in the audience, but one of the most important persons in the auditorium, shaking hands with the neighbour sitting next to him, or even answer to some question, perhaps share an opinion. Besides, he can find the circumstances leading to the outcome of a certain artistic work. He may also find about the feelings, experiences that led the artist to such an interpretation … how much these feelings change while the work is being composed, the expectations and hopes of the artist and his creation. But we can also notice the consequences this music has upon us, emotionally speaking … or just simply, permit music to reach that certain level, to strike a cord …    

The concert evenings do not represent our hiding places when we feel like running from the world or ourselves. I would rather call them dates. With others, ourselves, history, destiny, opportunities, or even inspiration … It could be that it echoes on the way home, but it would voice out later … or revive it … just in time when that music, that sound, that feeling, that example of resolution is needed. Or just for the fact that we paid more attention … as it happened when I took to the Chopin concert my teenage daughter, not a fan of classical music and a few days later I heard Chopin playing on her laptop. I told her: “We listened to this at the concert.” She answered: “I know, this is why I am listening to it …”

What you do, Zoli, may be called preventive and responsive music therapy. Everybody needs this. And it is good to have it. Here, in Oradea.

Greetings from Mónika Szabó

“I like Chopin. That was why I decided to attend Zoltán Thurzó’s Advent concert in Timisoara. I used to listen to Chopin on vinyl but I also heard it in Gergely Bogányi’s concerts. But Zoltán Thurzó’s performance gave me more than just the live music experience: the candlelight, a cosy setting in the Reformed Church from downtown and the music of Chopin and Liszt as well as the introduction of the two composers’ magnum opus, which facilitated the attunement of music and the interpretation of the masterworks. That winter’s evening will remain a memorable experience. 

I wish you a successful and busy New Year and hope to see you again in Timisoara.

Best regards: Laci”

I attended Zoltán Thurzó’s Christmas concert, in Biharkeresztes. He teaches Art at Gárdonyi Zoltán Reformed School and Elementary School of Arts.  

“His concert marked the end of an amazing tour.

-The familiar setting was created from the start by the beam of the tapers on stage, their number marking exactly how old the settlement was. The audience was honoured with this carefully selected detail. 

-Before starting to play the pieces, he introduced the composers, Chopin and Liszt, the circumstances concurring to the birth of the masterpieces and how these remained in the history.

-His explanation was easy to follow, straight, and he remained close to his audience. He was able to choose correctly the proportions: short, brief and concise information – a lot of music.

The live music listened to at candlelight kept us focused and we all became one with the music played then and there.

After all, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”/Johann Sebastian Bach/

While receiving the spiritual replenishment during Advent period, we managed to complete our emotions experiencing contemplation.

The dissemination of culture, guarding Art on such forums is transcendent.

It is a fabulous example for the newcomers, who attended the concert in a large number. Thank you, Zoli!”

“I believe one single word could express the range of such an evening:

MAGICAL! The atmosphere was amazing, the place where you were able to put all sorrows behind and completely abandon yourself on the wing of music. Should I close my eyes, I would fully experience Chopin’s music, sometimes dramatic, other times passionate, even romantic. Unforgettable songs which become part of a piano recital, under your amazing hands! The candlelight only added an extra to the whole symphony! It was amazing! Congratulations! I hope to attend many of you concerts, witness with my ears your gift as a piano player! Wishing you all the best and success also, I hope to see you even in Salonta, where we would be very pleased to have you!”

Dear Zoli!

We arrived with great expectations and delighted at the concert’s “Do You Love Chopin?” final performance, in an amazing setup, cosy atmosphere in a hall full of people.

I have attended many classical music concerts before. Bu never in my entire life have I been to a reviving and interactive show, such as this one. Every minute, you managed to insert a sparkle into the eyes of you public, even tears when it received the newest details regarding Chopin and Liszt’s careers. 

You sat among us, almost handing over the instrument, just like Chopin. Listening to the etudes with closed eyes, a smile on our faces, I pictured in my mind the stories you previously told … and the two candles – carrying the two important souls – lightened the hearts …

You won me over with your performance, I experienced something completely new. I wanted to raise my hand, with a childlike desire, when you asked the question and opened up a communication channel with your audience, treating us like partners.

Even the children attending the concerts paid attention to your words, as if they were listening to a story teller.

They liked it and you turned into/became a good example: “It must have taken quite long to Uncle Zoli to learn so many keyboard strikes!, said one of my pupils. An to make all those hearts beat like one, days before Christmas … we all sang together, accompanied by the piano, the carol “Angels of Heaven came down to you …” You crossed the t’s or nailed it!”

From the top of the Christmas tree, the angel looked down on us and I am certain, he would do it on other occasion as well! Let him hold your hand and guide you in your career, so more and more people have the opportunity to feel the love you transmit in your concerts. We grew in knowledge, energy and inspiration, the scale of our emotions became larger!

I would have listened more … I would have applauded more …

I hope I will have this opportunity, next to my colleagues!

Heartiest congratulations!”

 “I am not good at writing which is precisely why it is very difficult to express the feelings music offers us, actually this concerts has offered me.

This concert is simply splendid. Chopin and Liszt’s music is fabulous.

Listening the music in darkness brings back memories of my teenager era because back them I used to listen to music like so.

Thank you very much for this experience!”

“Testimonials:

We missed the candle lighting and the introduction, but we were the little family at the piano concert, with a little boy so eagerly conducting and listening to Chopin, despite the fact he had gotten late there.

The candle reminded us of a celebration in a bygone epoch, if you could disregard the noise of the 21st century.

I would like to say that I was overwhelmed when the artist let us know that he had brought the family’s Christmas tree to put on stage. Therefore the tree was not only a decoration but a token of an extended family. 

Just as the light of the candles not only serve as pure decoration, but as a celebration Christmas tree.

And the light acted as fuel to some half-hidden senses which started working on the sound of music.

This time, here, at the Lórántffy Cultural Centre, had not been hundreds of candles. But us, fans of music were present in a larger number. For here, our love ones were present and something breath taking was in the air. What did the artist, who stood as a narrator as well, bring to the 21st century to make more agreeable the masterpieces and songs from another epoch?

He was human, visible and alive.

I would like to add that it was an experience similar to that when I first went to a better cinema. We did not know what to expect, suddenly forgetting about the white tarpaulin on which they were about to project something. Unable to transmit and light up emotions, the cinema remains simply a broadcasting channel.

It was touching and surprising in the same time.

It felt strange that the broadcaster “started to move” towards you.

Zoli, I appreciate the fact that you were prepared in every way, the work and the effort, because you wanted to share something else.

You represented the connection and translator between epochs and musical styles. I feel this is a start and you-we will “get” better later on, perhaps us, the audience, will be able to help you in this recognition and unification process.

Once again, thank you for this experience.”

During Christmas festivities, it was a great pleasure that Mr. Zoltán Thurzó, the Hungarian Culture prized piano player, accepted the invitation of the Community of the Romanian Minority from Biharkeresztes and honoured the audience from Biharkeresztes with his presence and the masterpieces of Chopin and Ferenc Liszt, worthy of the celebration. The musical experience I witnessed in the night of the piano concert unleashed deep and strong emotions and feelings inside of me, while certain musical pieces brought either smile or tears on my face! The approach was unique, interactive, involving the audience, both the younger and the senior generations, managing to capture the illiterates’ attention throughout the entire concert. The piano night took place in candle light wrapped setup which highlighted the magic of the performance! As a summary, I believe everybody deserves a magical music experience and if you can choose than go with Zoltán Thurzó’s captivating piano performances since the adventure is not a common one. 

I encourage everyone to perceive, listen and trust the power of music as it affects our whole being and especially the magnificent parts “handed over” to us by Mr Thurzó, for that represents a miracle!”

Dear Zoltan!

I accidently found that your very first concert took place in the Saint Ladislaus church. It brought back dear, old memories when as students we used to go and listen to organ music every Monday evening, at the Reformed church on Farkas Street, in Cluj. The deep silence of the church and the acoustics of your virtuoso playing made me want to know the time and place of your next concert. Whenever I could, together with my girlfriend, we would go to Oradea to listen to play. Over the years, your performances have become richer, multi layered, relished with amazing cultural momentums. I was thinking that with your help, we were fortunate enough to listen to Bozsó Beáta, Tasnádi Ferenc, Székely István. I can tell, with each of your concerts you contributed to a familiarization, making music accessible to everyone.

I believe, the “Do you love Chopin?” tour marks a new chapter in your career, highlighting the huge music history information you possess next to the technical knowledge. I can proudly state that you are an excellent piano player! You play from the heart, ever-evolving, providing, through your enjoyable performances, true spiritual replenishment for your audience, as you can also see, that everybody compliments you at the end of your performance. Congratulations to you and I wish you good health and best of luck in order to achieve your aims!

“Chopin said: “I wish I could throw off the thoughts which poison my happiness, but I take a kind of pleasure in indulging them.”

And luckily, Chopin not only played with thoughts but with musical notes also for he was the image of the genuine romantic, whose works presented delicate accents and interesting sounds, characterized by perfection. 

Chopin’s music is catchy, easy to remember, creating a fragile melody and harmony, an interesting symphony.

As music and candlelight embodied a symphony, and the two spoke about romance, and that if we could distinguish a concept, a phenomenon, then we would be able to find the world’s deepest secrets, as well. Zoltán Thurzó, you not only facilitated us to perceive the sound but the see the man behind music and the related problems. 

Întâmplările, observațiile  tale pe  cale  naturala  s-au  conectat  cu  muzica ,și  prin  angajamentul  tău  , și  pe  Chopin  și pe  Liszt  te-ai  străduit  sa ni-i  prezinți  într-un  mod  omenesc .  Gândurile  tale  ce  se  rezuma  la  o  alta  dimensiune  ,care  nu  doar  pe  plan al  muzicii  încearcă  sa  ne  îndrume  ,  ci  ar  dori  sa  ne  ridice  la  nivelul  lui . Mulțumim , mulțumesc , ca  am  putut  fi  participant  la  acest  minunat  concert .

Your stories, comments related in a natural way to the music, and through your commitment, you tried to introduce to us the “masters” Chopin and Liszt, as mortals. Your ideas relate to a different dimension, which try to guide us not only from musical point of view but to lift us up to your level of being. Thank you for making us, me, part of this wonderful, uplifting concert.

“Do you love Chopin? Was the question you asked your enthusiastic audience in the beginning, not the end, luckily (though I was pretty sure it had nothing to do with luck). Of course we loved him, it was only natural, but this love had a lot to do with the artist. A successful tour to my knowledge, proof that the public who previously attended your concerts or were there in premiere, valued quite a lot what they saw and heard that evening. From this point of view, the public of Oradea has an advantage. The large number of spectators also appeared excited about the show, which filled us with memorable experiences even this time. The description of the parallel between Chopin and Liszt’s music became obvious after the first notes for the connoisseur, while the initiated was charmed by the sounds. The linking words, mainly led us, since not everyone was a professional musician, giving us a sense of achievement, in case we admitted, that we did not recognize the evoked piece of art, and it would help if before, or right after, in the small introduction, the title would be stated, a small thing a musician would not even notice. The flyer, the brochure, of course helps, but most of the people in the audience are seniors, so the eye-glasses used not seeing not always come in handy with reading, and in this particular case, the candlelight made the contemplation of the “Nocturne” really enjoyable. The run list was successfully assembled, Liszt’s music followed Chopin’s two Nocturne, making our artist glow that evening. The “Valse Briliante” was an amazing opportunity to composer and artist diversity. The two new “Nocturne” brought back the dark magic, then the “Harp Etude” with its different, crystal sound deepened emotions. After Liszt’s heavy music, Chopin’s fairy-like Nocturne followed. “The Andante” a bit anticipated the change as you told and conducted us, Ferenc Liszt’s sigh let the imagination soar. The known “Polonaise” at least to me, truly indicated that, to my regret, the concert was heading towards end, but the little extra piece kept me daydreaming and nothing could erase the memorable experience. Thank you and perhaps due to my artistic past, lived in theatre, I could eardrop to the departing crowd and listen and brighten up to the words of praise as if I was credited with them. I hope this is acceptable and I am happy for your success. Thank you!”

This day of December the 20th started just as the other Sundays this year; I was waiting for the miracle, tired from work with a double coffee in my hands and in the evening the miracle happened; this piano concert evening was beyond my expectations, so I thank you again, dear Zoltán. Being in top of the aesthetic industry equals to hard work, as a dedicated make-up artist I deal not only with the exterior aspect of my clients but with the care of the human spirit as well, which, unfortunately, these days is quite difficult to keep in balance. I, sometimes, run into people who think the same way, speak the same language, this is why the night of the concert has meant so much to me … yes, for one hour and a half I have taken, in a musical bliss, an imaginary journey back in time, to where the most important thing is the family, love, attention and peace in the heart, just as the picture of my family and life. I am glad you reminded this to most of your spectators. The new style of approach and interpretation, allow me to say so dear Zoltán, is bulls eye. The way you spoke let us into your life and family, pictured Chopin and Liszt made this evening close to perfection. My lifestyle is almost similar, I open up yet I maintain mystery, naturally creating moments of serenity putting a smile on the face … for this is what you have given us – smiles. The grand finale of the candlelight wrapped evening was the joint singing, like members of a grand family because then we all felt like so; we thank you for that since many broken hearted sat in that hall, arriving sad and leaving happy, with sparkling eyes, is there a better definition for success? Back then, during our childhood, the Christmas cards pictured a lighted candle, symbolizing love, relationships, the candle was an important part of the holiday – it was marvellous to relive those moments. The piano concert in the candle light setup was a great idea, and as you asked us, the living, to remember those who had passed away, we were touched by the Christmas magic and we opened up the box of beautiful memories from our soul.” 

“I honestly confess, when I read about Zoltán Thurzó’s piano concert in Biharkeresztes interpreting Chopin and Liszt’s masterpieces, I thought I would go there. In fact, I had no idea what to expect, since I could not imagine how the piano would provide the audience the feelings an entire orchestra would, normally, do during a concert. That night, Zoltán Thurzó proved the impossible. Apart from the fact that the piano sounded absolutely magnificent, we found out details about the composers’ lives as if we were coevals of Chopin and Liszt. It was an unforgettable experience. Perhaps, fantastic is the word to characterize the evening or maybe, just maybe is not enough. It was perfect!”