Fred Hersch Riffs on Tennis

Jon Wertheim talks with the great jazz pianist and composer Fred Herch on his podcast "Sports Illustrated Tennis Beyond the Baseline" and it's fascinating to hear Mr. Herch parallel tennis and jazz.

His first bit of advice is that young pianists, like young tennis players, should learn to "slow down take their time and don't try to get it all out at once."

Of course we all know that efficient body alignment is a vital component of strong tennis mechanics. Mr. Herch believes it's equally a key element of success as a pianist and that strong body mechanics free both athletes and artists to improvise. He explains that, "Federer can invent shots because the alignment of his body, from his feet on up, is so perfect."

It's a lively interview and I don't want to spoil it with too much information here. Herch plays a short piano selection at the conclusion of his talk and it's worthwhile listen.
 

Centercourt
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January/February 2024 Digital Edition