Various performers: Rachmaninov Cycle: 4. Preludes Op. 23 & Chopin Variations. Old Academy of Music Chamber Hall, Liszt Academy Feb 13th 2023

An excellent evening. The Preludes (which I do not know except for a couple), were a bit of a mixed bag - a number probably more interesting to play than to hear but the performers were superb - all Academy students but with three stand-outs.

Endre Kecskeméti  gave a marvellously well-coloured performance, and Mizuno Kaisei  had the privilege of the Chopin Variations which made up Part 2. His Prelude performance was…ok but he really showed his mettle in the final piece. Astonishing power from such a slight frame. But for me the standout-performer was Csanád Szekrényessy whose Prelude (magnificently martial) was exceptional - and he, unlike many of the other performers, conveyed joy in his performance which made it all the better.

Great evening. Must get to more like these.

Jan Lisiecki & Bremen Kammerphilharmonie. Musikverein, Vienna, Austria. May 26th 2024

Hiroko Ishimoto (piano) Ferencevaros Adam Jeno Zeneiskola, Budapest. April 222nd 2022