Perlman & Beethoven

During a N.Y. Philharmonic concert, Hugh Downs is interviewing Itzhak Perlman, the violinist, about the Beethoven Violin Concerto just performed. He asks Perlman why that concerto is so difficult. Perlman answers, "Its simplicity. There is nothing in the piece that lets the performer hide." He explains that there is not a lot of bravura, a lot of bombast and excitement and fireworks behind which to hide. "It's a very exposed piece. You're just 'out there.'"