A SYMBOL OF PEACE

HOWARD SMITH comments on
Alberto Portugheis' recent publication

In this volume acclaimed Argentinean concert pianist Alberto Portugheis trades his musical hat for a symbol of peace with a collection of letters espousing a 'Utopian' view of mankind on a planet in highly desired global harmony.

While preparing for life as an assiduous musician Portugheis first studied in Buenos Aires with Vincenzo Scaramuzza (also a teacher for Martha Argerich), in Geneva with Madeleine Lipatti, Louis Hiltbrand and Youra Güller, and in London.

As a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize (2008) and a peripatetic international traveller he clearly feels a need to write on both foreign policies, vested corporate interests, and on their far reaching effects.

Beyond all question this publication is a sincere, well-intentioned volume. On the other hand it is somewhat repetitive and seldom probes to the core of the labyrinthic, troubling themes.

Consequently Portugheis is unable to match authoritative titles (on the same and/or similar themes) by Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, Milton Friedman, John Pilger and others.

His broad, visionary peace proposals and conspicuous compassion shine from the pages of Dear Ahed ... The Game of War and A Path to Peace.

But whether (or not) the pianist is emboldened to continue writing about 20th / 21st century war and peace, his greatest contribution to global audiences remains at the keyboard.

ALBERTO PORTUGHEIS

BUENOS AIRES

PIANO

ARGENTINA

UNITED KINGDOM