Pianist Adam Fellegi Weaves History, Technology in Music
By Jessica Delaney

Hungarian pianist Adam Fellegi (seated) performed a series of piano recitals while staying on the Island. Pictured with him is the Spitzer family, who hosted the pianist. From left are Dr. Robert Spitzer, Dr. Ann Silverman, and daughters Sarah, Rachel, and Rivka.

In Rome, there is a fresco painted by Michelangelo entitled “The Last Judgment.” Near the bottom of the painting is a depiction of men who have been sentenced to an eternity in Hell. One of the men has one eye open and one closed because he does not want to see his fate, but at the same time, he is unable to look away.

“That is not what I want from you,” Hungarian pianist Adam Fellegi told concertgoers Sunday, July 10, during a small recital. “Don’t be that man. Close your eyes all the way, and allow yourself to look into your soul. That is what classical music lets you do.”

Mr. Fellegi, an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, arrived on the Island Friday, July 8, when he performed an evening concert with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra to raise money for the Mackinac Island Community Foundation. He remained through the week to perform at other venues.

What Mr. Fellegi had really been excited about when presented with the opportunity to come to the Island was smaller, more intimate piano recitals. His desire was easily answered, with four scheduled performances, three of which occurred at the home of Dr. Robert Spitzer, a cousin of Mr. Fellegi’s. The fourth performance was planned for the Inn at Stonecliffe.

During the hour and a half recital Sunday, Mr. Fellegi gave words of advice and short anecdotes to the two dozen people in attendance. He interwove information and performance, and allowed time for questions from the audience.

He lauded the recital as something “truly Mackinac.” Because Dr. Spitzer could not find a grand piano, he purchased a professional-quality electric keyboard. Mr. Fellegi both paid homage to the keyboard’s imitation of a Steinway piano and praised the way in which the concert represented the Island.

“You live here with horses and no cars, but you have electricity, Internet, and plumbing,” he said. “Everyone lives here in this 19th century setting with 21st century technology. That is like me on this piano. I am playing 19th century music on a 21st century piano.”

Mr. Fellegi also reminded those assembled of the importance of attending live concerts, saying, “Living music is like a living plant, which is always preferable to a painted plant.”

Guests were invited to mingle with both the host family and the visiting artist during a short intermission and after the performance.

The recital included music by Chopin, Liszt, Gershwin, and two of Mr. Fellegi’s favorite composers, Beethoven and Mozart. It ended with a rag by Scott Joplin and edited by Mr. Fellegi.

Mr. Fellegi has one last performance scheduled on the Island, Friday July 15, at 7 p.m. at Dr. Spitzer’s Moondance Cottage at Woodbluff. To attend, call Dr. Spitzer at 847-6151.

Based on the response for this year’s series of concerts and recitals, Mr. Fellegi is considering making his visit to the Island a yearly activity, and Dr. Spitzer is hoping to be able to begin a classical music festival on the Island.

Sunday, July 17, Mr. Fellegi will be departing for Germany, where he will perform in the Wagner Festival.