Ax makes a change, but it's not a competition...

(L to R) Pianists Emanuel Ax and Jeremy Denk: despite Ax's program change, the two are not competing

Pianist Emanuel Ax has decided to make a small alteration to his November 4 recital program. Instead of Beethoven's Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Opus 57, the “Appassionata” sonata, Mr. Ax will play Beethoven's Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Opus 53, otherwise known as the "Waldstein" sonata.

Veteran Celebrity Series watchers will note that the "Waldstein" sonata is also the subject of Rob Kapilow's What Makes It Great? program on May 10, 2008 (a mere 7 months from now). The pianist for that program will be noted pianist and blogger Jeremy Denk, whose name is worth remembering for both his erudition and his musicianship.

It has been said that music is not and should not be a competitive enterprise, but undoubtedly there will be some among you who cannot resist the temptation to compare the two performances.

"In lane 1, wearing number 8..."