April 25, 2007
Evgeny Kissin, April 25, 2007
Tonight Evgeny Kissin performs in Verizon Hall, playing pieces by Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms, and Chopin. Born in Moscow in 1971, Kissin is part of new generation of pianists. If you couldn't make it to the concert tonight, or if you want to hear more of his playing, visit the music page from his fan club.
Comments
It was such delight to hear one of my favorite pianists after these years.
Being one of the leading keyboard virtouso of our time, he still chose the pieces with greater musical concerns, rather than virtuostic characters;Schubert's E-falt sonata,Beethoven's 32 variations in C-min, Klavierstuke op.118 of Brahms, and finally Andante spianato and grand polonaise by Chopin.
Probably the common character of all was his achievment for a poetic interpretation of all. The pieces were chosen intelligently, having more and less the same mood, although with sufficient contrasts: you could feel the contrast by Beethoven right after the hypnotic atmosphere of Shubert. When he was playing Brahms, I was really listening to a new composition. I was also amazed with the extraordinary sound control that he had. His pianissimo never scarificed the depth.
Although I appreciate his triumph for poetic interpretation, I think the second movement of the sonata was too slow.
He is also famous of playing too many encores. That's very nice of him, but I think the audiance should respect the artist more. I had a feeling that audience were feeling some sort of victory to make him sit at the piano each time, rather than appreciating the music.
I wish he comes to Philadelphia more often.
Kambiz Parcham-Azad
This concert proves that Kissin has the most phenomenal dynammic range of any living pianist.
The first two rows in the orchestra section were occupied by aging Russian ladies who developed a real rapport with Kissin, and who helped encourage those most enjoyable encores.
I hope Kimmel Center finds Kissin to be a cash-cow and brings him back soon.