the performers:

Pavel Kolesnikov (piano)

the programme:

Liszt + Beethoven + Skryabin + Schubert

about the music:

Kolesnikov has named this programme The Tempest, and it’s easy to see why. This concert will take you on a journey through some of the biggest piano works of the 19th century, including Beethoven’s ‘Tempest’ sonata, interspersed with beautiful miniatures.

We’re not going to take you through everything as there are quite a few pieces, but here are some of our highlights to give you an idea of what to expect.

The concert begins with Liszt’s simple, hauntingly beautiful Wiegenlied (Cradle Song).

This short opener will be followed with another by Liszt, which couldn’t sound more different. Wilde Jagd (Wild Hunt) from the Transcendental Études is a viscous illustration of violence and adventure. It’s not all fiery though: there’s fear, nostalgia and hopefulness squashed into this intense 5 minute piece. Listen to the section that begins around 1.52 for a taste of the softer middle section.

Contrast between introversion and extroversion is a theme in this programme. It’s a great way of making the concert really exciting - every huge show-off work is sandwiched between tiny little pieces of piano poetry.

Other highlights include Skryabin’s Etude, Op. 42, No. 5, a piece full of anxiety and breathlessness. Two things you probably wouldn’t like to experience right now… but there’s something really moving about how well Skryabin depicts these very specific feelings.

Then to end, Schubert’s Six moments musicaux Op.94. After all this turmoil, the whole concert ends with quiet, reflective simplicity. It’ll be unmissable, we think.

about the performer:

Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov has quickly become one of the biggest names on the London concert scene. His debut at Wigmore Hall was described as ‘one of the most memorable of such occasions London has witnessed in a while’ by the Telegraph.

Here’s an interview with the man himself.

the price:

£20