It would take not one, but several miracles for the concert to come off. They all took place that evening. The utmost rigour, the vision of the music, and the mutual confidence and understanding between these two legendary figures since late in the 1960s all played a part.
The pianist walked regally onto the stage. In his hands, he was clutching a small black handkerchief. Maestro Celibidache followed him. That evening, they were performing Maurice Ravel’s last work for orchestra – the Concerto in G that the composer had planned to perform himself on “the five continents” until his delicate health meant he had to renounce the project.
Managing to express beauty with such obviousness and such simplicity is the prerogative of true geniuses. Listeners have the sensation that they have this ability to suspend time.