Heard Yundi Li's performance of the Chopin E minor with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra this past weekend (September 27). Also, Kemal Gekic's recital at the Xavier University Piano Series the next day.
Impression of Yundi Li: the best performance of this piece I've ever heard. This man (he's only 21) is going to be a superstar if he continues to grow and mature as an artist. He has a rock-solid technique, but plays in a very musically expressive manner. No banging or histrionic displays. He did "La Campanella" as an encore and played it brilliantly. Go hear Yundi Li if you have the chance!
I met up with Brendan, Shoko, and Jim (Palindrome) at the orchestra concert and also at Gekic's recital the next day. We all agreed that Gekic was not as impressive as Li, but I still enjoyed his program, nevertheless. Played Mozart Fantasy in c minor, a Chopin Mazurka and Waltz, 10 Chopin Etudes (including the Trois Nouvelle set), a couple of Schubert Impromptus, Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6, and the "Don Juan" Fantasy. The Etudes were rushed to the point of sounding distorted, including an over-emphasis on inner voices, in my opinion. But, I liked his Liszt on the second half. Playing the "Don Juan" in public is a feat, especially to get through it without any meltdowns. Gekic has the technique to handle it.
Enjoyed visiting with fellow Forumites to share musical experiences and opinions! It's great to be able to talk about pianists and piano playing away from the computer, especially with such knowledgeable and enthusiastic performers as Brendan, Shoko, and Jim.
Next, I look forward to hearing Leif Ove Andsnes on October 11 here in San Diego. He's doing a recital program of Schumann and Schubert.