Category: Music

Händl Plays Zappa

On December 7th, 2024, I played in the HaagsPianoHuis. Here are two reviews of that concert.

Photo by Hans Werksman

Playing the works of Frank Zappa at a small, sold-out solo show, takes some nerve. Dutch pianist Fred Händl pulled it off when he performed at Haags Pianohuis in The Hague on December 7. Watched by an attentive, knowledgeable audience he played stripped down versions of gems like Ms. Pinky, Watermelon In Easter Hay, Let’s Make The Water Turn Black, and How Could I Be Such A Fool. Händl’s “toucher” is light and playful, a joy to listen to.

Zappa’s genius as a composer has been documented extensively and it goes to show that his music can be reinvented for piano without losing much of its complexity. It takes years of practice, but as self-proclaimed “Zappa nut”, Händl’s love for his music is almost palpable.

Original review here:

https://www.herecomestheflood.com/2024/12/fred-handl-zappa-on-piano-in-hague.html?m=1

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Tijdens Händl plays Zappa heb ik voor het eerst uitgebreid kennis gemaakt met de wereld van Zappa, ik heb mij optimaal vermaakt. De interpretaties van Fred Händl zijn toegankelijk en nemen je mee langs allerlei verschillende stijlen en sferen. Dankzij Fred heb ik een kijkje gekregen in de ziel van deze muzikant, ik wil eigenlijk gaan vragen of ik ergens een playlist terug kan luisteren van zijn pianocovers. Deze muziek wil je vaker horen!

Marco H.

Translation:

During Händl Plays Zappa, I was introduced to the world of Zappa in depth for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Fred Händl’s interpretations are accessible and take you on a journey through a variety of styles and atmospheres. Thanks to Fred, I got a glimpse into the soul of this musician. I’m tempted to ask if there’s a playlist of his piano covers I could listen to again. This is music you’ll want to hear more often!

 

Marco H.