Friday, April 26, 2013

Sokolov plays Brahms, Prokofiev, Chopin and Rameau

Since Grigory Sokolov is not playing in Britain any time soon, and some people on our island appear never to have heard of Youtube, here is a little selection from his recitals. Perhaps he is a "pianist's pianist" or something, but I know of few pianophiles, pianists and serious fans who wouldn't go rushing to hear this man play anything he chose to play, anywhere, any time. The only other living pianists I'd mention in the same breath as him are Martha Argerich and Krystian Zimerman.

I was fortunate to interview him in 2006, in Barcelona, around midnight after an extraordinary recital. The article (for International Piano) is in my archive, here.

Brahms, live in Venice a couple of weeks ago:




Prokofiev Sonata No.7, 3rd movement 'Precipitato'




 Chopin Polonaise-Fantaisie, from Amsterdam 2005 (audio only)



Rameau, 'La Poule'