From the magazine Damian Thompson

Classical

The filthy side of Dame Myra Hess

The pianist's taste for comedy, combined with the halo of national treasure, ended up obscuring her greatness

Damian Thompson Damian Thompson
Dame Myra Hess in mimic mode.  © THE HESS FAMILY COLLECTION
EXPLORE THE ISSUE 15 March 2025
issue 15 March 2025

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The photograph on the cover of Jessica Duchen’s magnificent new biography of Dame Myra Hess shows a statuesque lady sitting at the keyboard, hair swept back into the neatest of buns.

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