Stratford Chamber Music Concert, September 12, 2004
The young Cuban pianist Javier Gonzalez performed
for Stratford Chamber Music on September
12th.
"...unlike most pianists, his
interpretation had a romantic sensibility that immediately captivated the
audience."
Review of the Stratford Chamber
Music Concert
September
12, 2004
The young Cuban pianist
Javier Gonzalez performed for Stratford Chamber Music on September 12th.
He began his program with the 3rd Bach
English Suite, and unlike most pianists, his interpretation had a romantic
sensibility that immediately captivated the audience. His counterpoint is
remarkable, every voice is distinct, every finger an independent entity,
reminding me of Gould with his semi-staccato delicacy. But the lyrical charm
sets it apart from most interpreters of the baroque.
In the Mozart Fantasia in C minor
every dynamic marking in the score was there, and he negotiated his way through
its technical minefields as though they were walks in the
park.
He followed with a Chopin
tour-de-force, the Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, note perfect
with a technical mastery that was astounding, but with the same delicacy,
tenderness and clarity that we heard in the Bach.
He devoted the second half of the
program to the Latin music of Albeniz, Granados and Lecuona, which is closest to
his heart, revealing again his technical brilliance and passionate rhythmic
sense that had the audience on their feet. His enchanting little encore was the
Joropo by Moises Moleiro, a Venezuelan
composer.
With luck and the right
contacts this young performer has an international career ahead of him. He is
performing in Zurich and Barcelona at the end of
September.
Review by Barbara
Baxter
Barbara Baxter graduated in piano
performance from the Conservatory of Music in Toronto and has attended
instrumental concerts, lieder recitals, and opera productions in Canada, the US,
and Europe for over fifty years.
Posted: Sun - September 19, 2004 at 02:03 PM