LEWISTON – “Incomparable” and “legendary” are words often used to describe internationally acclaimed pianist Frank Glazer.

Many call him “amazing.”

The 93-year-old musician will present a solo recital at the Franco-American Heritage Center Saturday, Jan. 10. The program, which includes compositions by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel and Chopin, is part of the 2008-2009 Piano Series season.

Glazer had already developed a following as a gifted teen, performing in his hometown of Milwaukee. At age 17, it was his good fortune to study in Berlin with Artur Schnabel, legendary Beethoven and Schubert interpreter. In Berlin, he also met Arnold Schoenberg with whom he subsequently had lessons in counterpoint. In 1936, at age 21, Glazer made his New York debut at Town Hall. In 1939, he performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under another music legend, Serge Koussevitzky.

His career was interrupted by World War II, when he served as a U.S. Army interpreter and investigator in the European theater. Following his return to civilian life, he entered a period of self-imposed study of piano-playing technique before resuming his public career with a Carnegie Hall debut in 1949.

“If I hadn’t taken time out to stop playing and figure out how I could make the sounds I wanted to make in the most efficient way, I wouldn’t still be playing the way I am today,” Glazer said.

The order of the pieces in his recitals and the “fit” of their textures and colors display Glazer’s long ago acquired knack of designing a program. He sees the performer’s task as decoding a message left by the great composers, allowing it to reach the souls of audience members. He believes the performer should get out of the way and let the audience be moved by the message.

Glazer’s only concession to age is traveling less, although last season he performed and gave master classes in Vienna, as well as in New York, in the South and on the West Coast. So far this season, he has performed in New York City, at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, and in Florida, as well as in Maine.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors; no charge for students 21 and younger. All seats reserved. Call the box office at 689-2000. The Franco center is at 46 Cedar St.

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