Igor Levit
sprang to instant fame and prominence some two-three years ago; he is
still only 29 years old. His fame was achieved without the publicity
of ultra-short skirts, ultra-long hair, or Gucci outfits, unlike some
of his famous (and immensely talented) contemporaries. He has a style
of pianism that is quickly recognisable, with the concentration of
Sviatoslav Richter, and the clarity of phrasing and rhythm of Clara
Haskil or Maria Pires. I caught him off-air playing at Tanglewood
last August, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under David Afkham
in Beethoven's third piano concerto. It's a wonderful, classical
performance by a really great pianist. I had never met Afkham before,
but he also impresses here.
Levit is currently
winning fresh laurels in London with a series of Beethoven's piano
sonatas. So far, everything Levit touches seems to turn to gold.
Ever-suspicious of critical acclaim, I have to admit that this time
the general critical opinion (including mine) seems to be right: at
least in Bach and Beethoven, Levit is a real wonder. With Levit at
the keyboard, Beethoven's third piano concerto really comes to life.
Three stars.
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