Date: Fri 14-Mar-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Illustration: C

Location: A12

Quick Words:

Ashkenazy-pianist-Yale

Full Text:

(rev performance by pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy @Yale, 3/14/97)

Concert Review-

Ashkenazy's Fine Line Still Exciting

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - It has been almost 40 years since this reviewer first heard

Vladimir Ashkenazy perform, and the pitch of pleasured excitement felt earlier

this month was as explosive as the first time. One of the finest pianists of

his generation, Ashkenazy's love of music brings with it a level of excellence

to whatever he performs. Music critics herald his performances, especially the

works of Romantic composers.

On Wednesday, March 5, the maestro gave a concert in Morse Recital Hall as

part of the Yale School of Music 1996-97 Concert Season. Even though he was

not feeling particularly well, and was tired after having performed

brilliantly, Ashkenazy responded to the audience's enthusiastic and persisting

applause, graciously played an encore.

In that same musical tradition of pianists like Arthur Rubinstein, who also

always gave at least one encore, the passion of Ashkenazy's playing and

sharing the joy of music is one of the qualities that draws large audiences.

Two Beethoven Sonatas, Opus 31 numbers 1 and 2 , demonstrated the blend of

style that, over his two-score career, has brought this (almost) sexagenarian

international acclaim. Ashkenazy melds together passion, knowledge, an

exquisite touch, balance, imagination and limitless experiential boundaries.

Nuances are as clearly heard as the most profound fortissimo .

To play Chopin's works is of itself challenging. But to play with depth and

sensitivity that is not overly sentimental is a fine line upon which few

performers can balance.

Electing four different works - Nocturne Opus 55, No. 1 , Fantasie, Opus 49 ,

Barcarolle, Opus 60 and Ballade No. 4 Opus 52 - and the encore, Nocturne No.

27 in D flat , the second half of the program was pure rapture for Chopin

enthusiasts. Mastery of fingering and pedal-work are key to hearing Chopin's

genius played.

Much of Chopin is melodious, but harbingers of modern harmony, strongly atonal

works, such as his A minor Prelude , mark another side of his musical

explorations. One of Ashkenazy's strengths as a performer is his skill as an

interpreter of Chopin's music.

Conducting is the other major musical commitment in this man's life. On

occasion he has served as the conducting/soloist with some of the world-renown

orchestras he has led.

Speaking to Mr Ashkenazy after the concert, one finds a man of charm and

modesty. Save for his gray hair, his face is still youthful and expressive.

Soft-spoken, responsive, he listens with eye contact and a ready smile:

earmarks of a man who excels not only as a musician, but as a human being.