I am not, it must be said, the biggest fan of Ravel, but when Alexandre Tharaud released it, his concert clips were rather intriguing, and anyway, I have loved his playing forever.
He just never seemed to be anywhere I was. Until a couple of weeks ago when he turned up in Brussels to play both Ravel concertos with the BNO. He could have played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and I would not have missed it. I happened upon his Chopinata, and his Chopin in general is stunning. I also have his transcription of the Adagio from Mahler’s 5th Symphony, plus it is his fault that I have all of Siloti’s transcriptions. You should take a look at his Autograph album for a couple of those. I can’t find it on YouTube for the moment.
Anyway.
I managed to select the worst seats possible – I like front row seats for the piano but seats A3 and A5 should be avoided in the future. Nevertheless, we were right under the piano (a Yamaha on this occasion) and it was a really lovely way to experience the music. But I could not see the soloist. His pedalling is exceptional though.
For me, the two concertos were way beyond my expectations – I do like the second movement of the G-Major and there is a reason I own the sheet music for that. But the live rendition of the Concerto for Left Hand was also wonderful. Henle don’t seem to have that yet and I haven’t found another version. There’s something engaging about how he plays though – thoroughly at one with the music. I don’t think I’ve seen that relationship from any other pianist. And he looks like he is truly enjoying what he is doing, at least on stage.
He did a meet and greet afterwards and he is utterly sweet. Being honest, and looking at some of the people who are huge superstars, I don’t understand why he is not but maybe if he was, he would not be the musician I listen to.
Strongly, strongly recommended and here is some Chopin from him.