MUSIC by one of the country’s best known pianists has been played in public for the first time at a County Durham village hall.

It was the first time the sonata, composed by legendary pianist John Ogdon, had been played since the musician’s death in 1989.

Better known as a pianist, Mr Ogdon also composed his own work and completed more than 200 pieces.

Thursday’s recital was held at Belmont Parish Hall, near Durham City, by pianist Tyler Hay, with permission of Mr Ogdon’s widow, Brenda.

Mr Hay, from Kent, said: “At his best John Ogdon was the most excitable performer, always controlled but wild at the same time.

“He had colossal technique. He must have been a dream pianist because he could sight read anything. He was one of the most interesting pianists to listen to.

“It’s been an honour. Looking through his music scores is like getting inside the mind of a genius. Because it hasn’t been played since his death it’s like bringing a part of him back to life through his music.”

Mr Hay, a student at the Royal Northern College of Music, is making a recording of Mr Ogdon’s previously unheard music.

He found the pieces in the college’s archives, where they had been given by Mr Ogdon, who also studied there.

The concert was part of the Master Musicians series, which is held monthly in Belmont as well as other venues across the North-East.

Christopher Percival, who organises the Belmont concerts, said: “This hasn’t been played before apart from by John Ogdon himself. He was a brilliant pianist, what I would call a barnstorming pianist.

“For musicians this is very exciting. When I heard the first thing I did was ring around as many people as possible.”

He added: “The audience loved it. John Ogdon was someone who could play anything and I think Tyler is too.

“I’ve never heard anyone play as quickly.”

The piece, called An American Sonata, was dedicated to Mrs Ogdon and given to her as a Christmas present in 1984.

Mr Hay added: “It’s a kaleidoscopic piece. It’s full of ideas, some of which develop and some which don’t. There’s always something to listen to so it’s anything but boring.