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Review of piano recital by Nikolai Saratovsky

John Strode-Penny

The Mulled Wine Concert with Nikolai Saratovsky (piano) June 25, 2023

This was another Piano recital by Nikolai Saratovsky on Sunday June 25 at Paekakariki Memorial Hall.  Returning to New Zealand after four years, Nikolai now lives in Taiwan where he is a professor of music at Taipei University.

The programme opened with two well-loved Schubert "Impromptus, Opus 90".  These were beautifully portrayed with lively tempi and well-considered themes. A powerful rendition of "Transcendental Etude Number 11" by Franz Liszt was a highlight of the whole concert.  This demonstrated the dramatic intensity brought by the pianist.

Three pieces by Chopin followed - a scherzo and two waltzes.  While these were presented in dramatic fashion, the acoustics of the hall overpowered the delicate Chopin touch that we expect.  This was a consequence of the placement of the piano in this small hall.

The second half opened with a delicate portrayal of a Scriabin "Etude ,Opus 2, Number 1". Followed by Tchaikovsky's compositions a "Barcarolle" from "The Seasons" and  a Dumka from "Scenes from a Russian Village". This was Nikolai's territory and he could display his power and a huge affinity with the Russian music psyche.  This evocative playing continued with several numbers from "Etudes-Tableux"  by Rachmaninoff.  This filled the hall with sensational playing repeatedly bringing the audience to their feet.

The encore was reminiscent for him of his new daughter and was beautifully played to wind up an exceptional magical performance on this special occasion.

 

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