Michael Cooper wrote:

>As for the way in which he communicated his idea, I think we all allow
>some idiosyncrasy from the greats, in their playing and their speech.
>Also, because Argerich is placed upon a musical pedestal in many minds,
>such a remark can be made for effect, to shock the listener to attention
>and to thinking.

Even if it is made for effect, I would question at whose expense.  As
for a teaching...I believe it is the role of the teacher to develop the
individual.  I remember Varese being asked about his teacher d'Indy.
Varese said, "he was an intolerable pedant who tried to turn all of his
students into little d'Indys."

Karl