I’ve included, for the first time, two pieces for one performer because they represent a more full picture of Victor Borge’s wonderful musicianship coupled with an ingenious intellect and irrepressible humour.

It is quite possible that you, reader, have never heard this celebrated Dane’s name before and if this is the case, I heartily suggest you search the many YouTube files of his hilarious performances. He was known for various comic routines and the shows filled halls to capacity.

Despite the humour - or maybe because of it - what was easily overlooked was that he was a classically trained concert pianist with a beautiful sound and wonderful technique but his raison d’etre was “...to make classical music accessible to the average listener by emphasizing its humorous aspects without detracting from its beauty.” (Encyclopedia.com)

The Viennese Waltz is a slightly over the top performance of the piece that was composed to be just that.

There is nothing profound here, just champagne, dancing with some fumbled steps and light heartedness but there is something more in Rachmaninov’s “Liebeslied” (“Love’s Sorrow”); evidence of Borge’s rich tone, nimble fingers and great sense of style with an effortless delivery.

I listen to Borge a lot but not with the aim of being entertained as that is inevitable.

What I’m reminded of and encouraged to maintain is two things: the very real and powerful element of storytelling when at the piano with an audience and that the mood of what we do, whether it is on the piano or any other instrument, is summed up in the description of our calling, which is playing the instrument; the element of play…. as in having great fun while doing what we do.

Borge was quoted often saying “the shortest distance between two people is a smile” and there is great truth and power in that simple realization.

Watch on YouTube.