Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov began studying the piano at the age of five and at seven entered the Leningrad Conservatory to study with Leah Zelikhman, where he later studied with Moisey Khalfin. He gave his first major recital in Moscow at the age of 12, and came to international attention after winning the 1966 International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition. Aged only 16, he won the Gold Medal on a unanimous decision by a jury headed by pianist Emil Gilels.
In the 40 years since the this award, the world has been blessed with what one American critic recently called “a kind of pianism, musicianship and artistry one thought had vanished forever”.
Ever since his first recital in Leningrad Mr. Sokolov has amazed everyone again and again with the enormous breadth of his repertoire and his huge, almost physical musical strength. Using little pedal, and thus superior finger-work, he draws from the concert grand an immense variety of sounds; he has an unlimited palette of colors, a spontaneous imagination and a magical control of line.
His interpretations are poetic and highly individual, and his rhythmic freedom and elasticity of phrase are perhaps unequalled among pianists today.
Here he is, performing the music of Maurice Ravel:
