Angela Hewitt, pianist

Angela Hewitt and Morawetz, 1992

My most vivid memory of Oskar was when I was about to give the première of his Suite for Piano (in Guelph). I went to his house and played for him. What struck me most was how particular and meticulous he was about how he wanted things played. Often composers are not that fussy -- but Oskar was. It also made me realize that day that no amount of markings in the score can tell the whole story...that a composer's wishes, unless he is there in front of you, will always remain slightly elusive. That is not necessarily a bad thing at all -- it gives leeway to many different interpretations -- but it reminds us not to be too certain that we know exactly how it should go! In the end, Oskar was thrilled with the way I played it, and I was happy to be able to change so quickly and fulfill his wishes.

Angela Hewitt, May 2005

Letter, Dec. 24, 1976

Letter, May 1, 1979

Letter, Jun. 9, 1992