Yes, he made a super strong impression on me with that Medtner sonata, which I later got to hear in person.
He’s playing the programme of this disc this season so they’ll be live versions too.
I’m more interested in the Szymanowski, I have enough good versions of the Schubert.
Randomly, I like how they let him keep his dart in the photo, reminds me a bit of McCartney on the Abbey Road cover, doubtless da anti-smoking mofos will be up in arms.
Yes, and the encores too. I was really perplexed to hear that - I had a chance to hear a preview copy of his debut CD a few weeks or months before that came out (there’s a story behind that, but I won’t), and both me and the friends who also received it thought it took blandness to a whole new level. I had sort of written him off after that, but I guess it once again proves you need to hear pianists live.
Damn, lucky. The Medtner was incredible, so intense.
First time I’ve heard it called a dart. I used to smoke a lot in Amsterdam, but I agree overall with the anti-smoking trend because I’m against the huge corporations and their basically evil influence. I’m against when the anti-smokers personally intervene with you, but not with the reduction in smoking overall.
It might be Australian slang.
I’m anti-smoking too, and yet I smoke.
It’s just something to do when I’m bored and to get me away from my desk.
My lungs don’t like it very much though.
Any opinions on Alexander Paley? New name to me, just wondering
Yes - and you don’t want to hear them
I’ve never been impressed, and his recent Medtner outing was beyond disappointing. The only thing of his I ever listen to is the Franck-Cortot transcription of the Violin Sonata. He’s the only one who has really recorded it. But even that’s not a great rec. His set of Balakirev piano works is also VERY dull, but I keep it around because there’s really no other choice.
If you want a good laugh, try to find Paley’s Chopin Sonata 3, Scherzi, and Ballades disc. Probably the absolute worst Chopin playing that has ever been issued. Seriously. I should dig it up and post it just for the comedic value.
Damn, you made him sound like that loser you keep on your speed dial just because you know the dude’s got a sister who’s an easy score and you might need it one day.
I’d love to hear that disc if you could find it.
Paley initially caught my interest because he’s one of the exceptionally few pianists who’s played Liszt’s 12 Grandes Etudes live. But after hearing how… I can’t describe them and remain politically correct, but it was the most ridiculous playing. A friend says he’s made an (unreleased) studio recording of them as well which is great, but I believe it when I hear it.
Interestingly he’s playing at Maison de la Radio on my journée folle du piano (when I see 3 concerts in one day) but yeah never been interested in seeing him.
If only Favorin had his slot instead, then I wouldn’t have to miss the start of Virsaladze.
Well, let us know what you think. Chris seems to know him much better than I do, but what I’ve heard hasn’t been boring as such - it’s rather been super awkward. Imagine Cherkassky playing in a shirt full of itching powder while trying to seduce a hunk on first row and you have about my memory of seeing Paley play.
Nah I’m not gonna go, 3 concerts is enough.
I think I’ll go out on da piss afterwards. 
Oh, thought he was the third
Nope Kholodenko (first up actually).
Virsaladze Schumann should be worthwhile. She’s one of the great Schumann players. And she’s still playing great. I have a recording of her in Op. 12 from earlier this year and it’s fantastic.
Hopefully she’ll play the Liszt Rhapsodie Espagnole. She’s been playing it a lot lately, and she does a good job of it.
Yes, I think both will be good - possibly all three. I’ve never been too taken by what I’ve heard with either pianist myself, but all three are good, solid, professional pianists and at least Virsaladze is held in high regard by many others. Greg Benko, founder of what’s now IPAM, told me a year back or two that her playing almost pushed him back in to collecting piano again (his hobby nowadays is great, or at least old, singers).
Assuming everything goes fine with the recordings and that you post them I’m really looking forward to Favorin because of the program. That’s music I’ve wanted to explore further for many years, and to hear them live and played by a pianist of Favorin’s stature - can’t ask for anything more.
The Favorin and Kholodenko recordings should be fine, only Virsaladze might have a piece missing and bad placement if I’m late and someone snakes my seat (will have to reclaim it after intermission). Even then second half Schumann should be good.
Paley was famous for being able to sightread the most RIDICULOUS stuff with ease. Source - Andjaparidze 
Alexander Romanovsky’s Moscow recital will be broadcast via video tonight at 19:00 local time. Probably saved as a video on the site afterwards.
Anyone have any live, professional quality recordings of Irina Plotnikova?