Grigory Sokolov has gained an almost mythical status amongst music-lovers throughout the world. He is considered by many today to be the greatest living pianist. During his concerts, he completely transforms the instrument with his unrivalled touch.
Sokolov’s prodigious talent was recognized in 1966 when at 16, he became the youngest musician ever to receive the Gold Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow. Emil Gilels, chairman of the Tchaikovsky Competition jury, subsequently championed Sokolov’s work.
Grigory Sokolov’s charismatic artistry holds the power to cultivate the concentration necessary for audiences to contemplate even the most familiar compositions from fresh perspectives. In recital he draws listeners into a close relationship with the music, transcending matters of surface display and showmanship to reveal deeper spiritual meaning.
Unlike many pianists, Sokolov takes the closest interest in the mechanism and set-up of the instruments he plays. “You need hours to understand the piano, because each one has its own personality and we play together,” he explains. The partnership between artist and instrument is critically important to the flow of Sokolov’s musical ideas.
In addition, Sokolov is famous for his numerous encores, which often turn out to be the true highlight of the evening – following the official part of the program, the pianist casts off any tensions, offering these gifts to a grateful audience.
In his second Maltese concert, Grigory Sokolov will be playing Joseph Haydn’s Sonatas and Franz Schubert’s Impromptus.
Programme
Franz Joseph Haydn
Sonata (Divertimento) No.32, Op.53 in G minor, Hob.XVI:44
Moderato
Allegretto
Sonata (Divertimento) No.47, Op.14 in B minor, Hob. XVI:32
Allegro moderato
Menuet
Finale. Presto
Sonata No.49, Op.30 in C-sharp minor, Hob.XVI:36
Moderato
Scherzando. Allegro con brio
Menuet. Moderato
Franz Schubert
4 Impromptus
Op. post.142, D.935
I Allegro moderato
II Allegretto
III Andante
IV Allegro scherzando