In this short, "Walter" plays the title piece without the rhinestones, candelabra, or extraneous showmanship that audiences would love him for later. This performance, stripped of those distractions, displays the talent of Liberace unencumbered. And it is a joy to watch.
The arrangement is perfect for demonstrating Liberace's raw musicianship and his alacrity over the keyboard. Thankfully this film exists so that we may witness the origins of his career and assess his technique without extraneous flourish or staging. In the same way, I have enjoyed the rare recordings of Jack Benny playing the violin without comedic effect, and Victor Borge or Oscar Levant playing the piano without punchlines.
The arrangement is perfect for demonstrating Liberace's raw musicianship and his alacrity over the keyboard. Thankfully this film exists so that we may witness the origins of his career and assess his technique without extraneous flourish or staging. In the same way, I have enjoyed the rare recordings of Jack Benny playing the violin without comedic effect, and Victor Borge or Oscar Levant playing the piano without punchlines.