After years of frustration and broken dreams, classical pianist Joyce Hatto finally found international fame in her 70s, despite suffering from cancer. Dubbed 'the greatest living pianist no one has e..
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After years of frustration and broken dreams, classical pianist Joyce Hatto finally found international fame in her 70s, despite suffering from cancer. Dubbed 'the greatest living pianist no one has ever heard of', she had critics raving about her sublime recordings.
Yet six months after her death, many of these recordings were discovered to be by other pianists - the greatest hoax in classical music had been orchestrated from the small town of Royston, Hertfordshire
In 1953, William Barrington-Coupe - known as Barrie - spots concert pianist Joyce Hatto and recognizes her talent. They marry and Barrie becomes Joyce's agent. Joyce makes several records, which achieve some popularity, though stage fright restricts the success of her concert tours. Barrie, still a wheeler-dealer, serves a short prison term for tax evasion. Joyce's career is curtailed by cancer, but many years later, Barrie discovers that there is some interest in her old recordings, which are selling well online. This gives Barrie an idea for a new scam; he will pass off recordings made by other pianists as Joyce's work. Although initially shocked, Joyce goes along with him and is pleased when the critics are fooled. However, there is one suspicious critic. Joyce dies before their deception is exposed. Barry maintains that she knew nothing of the fraud.