Bob Kasenchak wrote:

>Anyway, the other interesting thing was about Helfgott.  The critics
>on the show seemed to put him in the same category as the Boccelli's
>of the world.  Now I admit I missed "Shine" and tried to avoid the
>hype, but I always thought the guy was bona fide, so to speak.  Is
>it popular consensus that he's really second-rate?

The "popular" consensus is very much with Helfgott; "informed" consensus is
that he should not be performing in public or on record.  The fact is that
he does not have the right stuff.

I wouldn't put Helfgott in the same category as Boccelli.  Boccelli is
a much better singer than Helfgott is a pianist.  I say this with full
admiration for what Helfgott has accomplished.  However, when I'm listening
to a pianist, his personal travails mean little.

Don Satz
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