A recital debut at Carnegie Hall? A huge achievement in a musician's life. A 21-year old musician, no less? His name is Daniil Trifonov - a young Russian who brought down the house last night. Xavier's dad was raving about this young pianist a bit ago and the imprint he was making in France. Xavier was intrigued (mostly because Trifonov performs Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 almost like Van Cliburn - and if that means anything, it means a lot to you). He did a little research and found that the young man would soon be making his debut at Carnegie Hall. So he got us tickets. Delighted.
There he was up there on that big stage. He looked 15. His long hair, his gangly form. His emotion. He is an emotional pianist (watch him a bit on YouTube, worth watching his face as he plays) and it was such a pleasure to hear him play Liszt’s Piano Sonata in B minor and Chopin’s 24 Preludes. Those preludes are so simple – almost guileless – and many so recognizable. I play a few of them and so really connected to the program, but to hear him play the more technical and dramatic of the 24 – No. 3 in G Major, 8 in F-sharp, 15 in D-flat Major and 24 in D. Minor - transported all of us out of that hall. (His encore pieces included BACH’s Gavotte from Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 (arr. Rachmaninoff) and Chopin's Scherzo for Piano No. 3 in C Sharp Minor, Op. 39, CT. 199 – both were such a treat after an already affecting performance).
There I was, so delighted (and happily surrounded by 80-year olds). Thanks, Xavier.
7 comments:
I am glad you were wearing your leather gloves to protect your pianist hands...
This sound like heaven to me. Very jealous! Nice job X.
What an amazing night I'm sure it was. I've been in NYC 6 years now and have yet to go to Carnegie Hall. As a child pianist I often consider picking up lessons again. You've inspired me to at least make it to a concert and maybe get started playing again!
So elegant, so simple. "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" Marry a sweet Frenchman!
I've sung on that stage. (In actuality, I was on a tour and they had us stand on the stage and sing "Happy Birthday to You"; but you take what you can get. I absolutely love Van Cliburn, so -- as you say -- that does mean a lot to me. So glad you got to be there to enjoy his performance! (Heard Van Cliburn play Rachmaninoff in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake when I was a teenager, and have NEVER forgotten it.)
I am so glad you got to hear this concert, in this perfect hall. I will never forget hearing the great Russian Mezzo Soprano Olga Borodina sing "Ombra ma Fu" in a whisper. You could hear every perfect note.
Further, as a professional musician, may I thank you on the behalf of all performing artists for your lovely outfit? There is nothing like making your debut at Carnagie Hall (or the Met, or any other great hall) and looking out at an audience dressed in sweat shirts and baseball hats. You look lovely, as befits this important occasion.
Thanks Rebecca!
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