Norman wows audience at Woods Hole Film Festival

We had an amazing premiere at Woods Hole.

First, one of the staffers told me they had one of the biggest turnouts of the weekend for this film. You could feel the audience in the film’s grip right from the beginning and through to the end. Some people stood up to applaud when the film ended.

Then Norman was called to the piano – he was caught by surprise, because we had thought that he would play after the Q-and-A. Yet Norman played the best I’ve ever heard him play. He opened with a transcription of Prelude No. 1, in C, from Book I of J.S. Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier.” And he played it from memory, beautifully, poetically.

Then he played a large part of the greatest solo piece for left hand alone, J.S. Bach’s Chaconne, arranged by Brahms. Again, it was the best I’ve heard Norman dispatch this onerously difficult work.

Then Norman moved on to the first movement of Miguel de la Cerna’s suite, which Norman had commissioned. And when the audience erupted after that, Norman said, “Can I play something else for you?”

The festival’s director said, “You can play as much as you want.” So Norman played the opening solo of Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. Another great performance. And a standing ovation from the entire audience.

The Q-and-A that followed was fascinating, with Norman sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, always disarming.

Afterward, various people asked how they could arrange for screenings of the film. I gave two people my personal business card and told them I could forward any requests.

Norman said this was the first time he was satisfied with his playing, and he was right to be.

A thrilling opening chapter for all of us.

Watch part of Norman’s performance.