Thomas Cobb

Hammer of the Gods: Murray Perahia’s Epic Portland Challenge

With hand surgeries now behind him, the legendary pianist is back to perform Beethoven’s jaw-dropping masterpiece, Hammerklavier.

While standing ovations are virtually pro forma at Portland concerts, the one given to this acclaimed British pianist was well deserved.

The Canadian pianist delivered beautiful interpretations of Bach and Strauss, book-ended by two works that showed very different sides of Beethoven.

Stroll the city (or hop on the streetcar) to find these happy intersections of gastronomy and economy.