I was a big fan.
His support for modern music was a big part of my love for him.
I saw him with the LA Phil back in the late 80's playing a Bartok piano concerto.
Maurizio Pollini R.I.P.
The great Pianist died over the weekend, age 82. One of my biggest regrets during the Pandemic was a cancellation of a concert where he was scheduled to play the last 3 Beethoven Sonatas.
He had a wide repertoire, and championed a lot of modern music, but for me it will always be his Chopin. His recording of the Etudes on DG was electrifying, a mixture of beautiful poetry and overwhelming power. Op. 25/12 in particular with the almost buzz saw intensity of the left hand harmony always gets me out of my seat even after half a century of familiarity
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I love his Chopin Nocturnes as well. All miniature Tone Poems. I have to admit that I don’t know his contemporary recordings well. Perhaps @simonmoon can recommend a few |