Playing the works of Frank Zappa at a small, sold-out solo show, takes some nerve. Dutch pianist Fred Händl pulled it off when he performed at Haags Pianohuis in The Hague on December 7. Watched by an attentive, knowledgeable audience he played stripped down versions of gems like Ms. Pinky, Watermelon In Easter Hay, Let's Make The Water Turn Black, and Why Does It Hurt When I Pee. Händl's "toucher" is light and playful, a joy to listen to.
Zappa's genius as a composer has been documented extensively and it goes to show that his music can be reinvented for piano without losing much of its complexity. It takes years of practice, but as self-proclaimed "Zappa nut", Händl's love for his music is almost palpable.