Over to Paris again this week for a recital by Argentinian pianist Nelson Goerner in a program of music of Bach, Beethoven and an encore by Debussy. It was recorded in concert at the Theéåtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris on November 13th of last year and was recorded for broadcast by the venerable Radio France Musique.
A highly acclaimed pianist who has collaborated frequently with Martha Argerich, Goerner studied with the legendary Maria Tipo in Geneva, Switzerland before winning first prize at the Geneva Competition in 1990.
Since then he has recorded extensively and all of his recordings have been very well received. In addition, his frequent concert appearances have been must-see events, leading such concert reviews with superlatives as Transcendent, a sensual introspection, impeccable taste matched with a flawless poetry and ideal playing.
And this concert is no different. He begins with the Bach Aria and Variations in the Italian Style, BWV 989 and then dives into Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata Number 29 and ends with an encore – Debussy, Des pas sur la neige from Preludes Book 1.
A pretty remarkable concert which lasts just a little over an hour – and which makes perfect Wednesday Anti-Road Rage antidote. Or a Thursday Morning rush hour sedative – either way, it’s a rewarding concert. The announcements are in French, the audience is enthusiastic and the recording is excellent (as usual – I happen to be a huge fan of the France Musique engineers).
And if you’re getting your feet wet with Classical music and are curious about piano, this is a wonderful concert to start with. It’s a good jumping off place and it puts you in the right direction to discover a lot, an overwhelming amount of astonishing music.
And all you have to do is hit the “play” button.
. . and enjoy.
