‘Good live performance’ from prize-winning pianist

Music / Alexander Gadjiev. At Greenaway Studio, October 16. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

WINNER of the 2021 Sydney Worldwide Piano Competitors, Alexander Gadjiev is on an intensive nationwide tour and this was Canberra’s flip to listen to this pianist who is alleged to have eyes and ears in his fingertips.

Gadjiev started with a current work by American composer Kyle Gann, “Earth Preserving Chant”.  Sounding like a mantra, its repeated bass notice set the scene. This moody, sluggish, tonal work had a rising and falling theme, considerably minimal however telling a narrative. It remained center register for nearly all of it.

Layered with chords and occasional treble runs, leaning in the direction of jazz with a slight dissonance, it constructed to a climax earlier than falling again to its unique construction, after which an abrupt finish.

Gadjiev’s taking part in of the Chopin “Prelude in C# minor”, flowed with nice kind and wonder. With out sheet music, this piece was like a well known good friend to him. The subtlety and sensitivity of his efficiency spoke volumes about his connection to Chopin’s music.

Within the second Chopin work, “Polonaise fantasie in Ab Main”, the complete heat chords within the opening sounded as if the piano was singing. Gadjiev’s taking part in sparkled with brilliance. He gave the impression to be misplaced within the music, as if he was taking part in for himself. This pianist can transmit not simply the notes, excellent phrasing and impassioned dynamics, but additionally the inside story of the music.

Robert Schumann’s “Fantasie in C”, Op. 17, is a rare work full of fireside and keenness. Once more, with out sheet music, he fell into the piece with conviction whereas taking the viewers with him on this sold-out live performance.

The tempo and dynamic of this Fantasie is at occasions breathtaking. It’s so quick, often it’s arduous to maintain up with all that is occurring. It’s nearly experimental as nicely. It strikes by many modifications in model and voice. At occasions, it’s deeply and closely classical after which nearly jazz-like. The music jogged my memory of a dialog between a number of folks occurring .

Its reflective moments have been quick however dreamy. The songs inside, grand and optimistic. That is difficult music on any stage. Gadjiev carried out it like he had written it. He was not examined by the complicated language of the piece. Trying relaxed all through, the music poured from him in a compelling present that oozed freshness and vibrancy.

This efficiency was among the best concert events of piano music this reviewer has heard for a few years.

However then, to point out his immense expertise, as an encore, he requested the viewers for 3 notes. They selected Eb, E and C#. After a wry look, as these three notes should not a part of a key construction, out poured this complicated, roaring piece that crossed classical and trendy types. Good stuff. Good live performance.