PS Un “blogger” non è un oracolo e commette inevitabilmente errori (il minimo possibile..). Ricevo spesso “correzioni” non sempre fondamentali e non sempre precise. Così come io mi sottopongo al giudizio altrui con nome e cognome così chi vorrà avere la bontà di segnalarmi eventuali errori o imprecisioni dovrà farlo unicamente mandando un commento: a ognuno la propria responsabilità. In base alla nuova normativa chi si fosse iscritto e desidera de-iscriversi è sufficiente che mi invii un messaggio e-mail..

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On the choice of the program there would be something to object to: a first part of the concert made only of transcriptions (Skrjabin was performed in the second) is at the very least singular, given the vast piano literature available. But let’s get to the performances. Unfortunately, the transcription of the beautiful Schubertian Lied Auf dem wasser zu singen was not performed and there is nothing to object to regarding the performance of the other transcribed Lieder. Borrow is gifted with a solid technique (not transcendental as we will see) and knows the music limits in the sense that he searches for its profound meaning, something that in Liszt’s transcriptions can often disappear in favour of a virtuosic approach. Instead, the approach to the two Bach compositions and in particular that of Busoni’s very famous chaconne should be discussed. Here the approach was what we could define as “Michelangiolian” (from Benedetti Michelangeli) whose performance of the chaconne is certainly the most famous. Nothing to do with a “philological” approach: the piece is performed with variations in rhythm and sound, with abundant use of pedal, certainly not Bachian in the strict sense, arousing a controversy that will never end. What is the right approach? And what would have been Bach’s approach if he had had a harpsichord “with the piano and the forte” at his disposal? Discussion on the sex of angels, Once the “non-philological” approach is accepted, the performance of the twenty-four year old Borrow was of excellent quality, receiving the right applause from the audience. Obviously the same applies for the transcription of Rachmaninov. In the second part the “highlight” was Schumann’s fantasy, Skrjabin’s preludes being nothing more than sketches reminiscent of Chopin with no musical value. The interpretation of the fantasy was mostly very good, almost always measured, proving the interpreter’s notable maturity. Here the technique left something to be desired because in the very difficult finale of the second movement (all based on the dotted rhythm so dear to Schumann) the first jumps were sonorously wrong. And also from the interpretative point of view one could object to some sounds of the last movement indicated by Chumann as “Langsam getragen – Durchweise leise” (Slowly held – Light throughout the performance). – Schumann’s indication was not followed in a disciplined way due to the presence of some unnecessarily robust “forte“. Even the final acceleration should have been much more contained. Only one encore, very little for a young man who has to win over his audience. Good, not resounding success.

PS I would kindly ask the readers of this blog to  register  (which implies nothing) which can be easily made  by “clicking” the black square above each post. By so doing they will receive an e-mail message whenever a new post is published.

PS A “blogger” is not an oracle and inevitably makes errors (the minimum possible..). I often receive “corrections” not always fundamental and not always accurate. Just as I submit myself to the judgement of others with the name and surname so those who want to have the goodness to report errors or inaccuracies will have to do so only by sending a comment: everyone has his own responsibility.

Per un elenco aggiornato di tutti i precedenti  posts di questo blog con i corrispondenti links

PS  Vorrei ringraziare tutti coloro che inseriscono commenti  ai posts utilizzando l’opzione “Lascia un commento”  (o “commenti” se ne sono già stati inseriti) prevista nella sezione sinistra (o prima del testo per schermi ridotti come i tablets) dei posts stessi affinchè tutti possano leggerli.  Il dibattito è sempre interessante per tutti…..grazie (è indispensabile lasciare nome e cognome – i commenti anonimi non saranno pubblicati)!!