I listened to a radio program this morning, just as the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto number 2 was beginning. I was immediately impressed…
I noticed the build up of tension, the adherence to the composer’s dynamics, and the technical excellence.
I had trouble identifying the performer. Finally I concluded that it must be Evgeny Kissin. I was wrong…
Fortunately there was an announcement (frequently skipped) that the artist was Sviatoslav Richter. Yes, I thought, one generation further back from Kissin….
Richter was explosive in the octaves, yet the delicate passages were played with amazing sensitivity.
Here is Svaitoslav Richter playing for you: