Since my first visit in Denmark, I have felt admiration for this beautiful, free and tolerant country. This time, I am looking forward to a marvelous chamber music concert with three outstanding musicians in Frederiksvaerk: Alexander Sitkovetsky, Lawrence Power and Torleif Thedeen. The program may seem challenging, but the listener will be rewarded for the effort. Mahlers erratic Quartet Movement and Schumann vigorous E-flat Major Quartet will be combined with Brahms G Minor Quartet – a masterwork full with dark poetry.
Alfred Brendel once showed me a live recording of this piece played by his teacher Edwin Fischer, which I found deeply impressive. Although the sound quality of this recording is poor, Fischer’s subtly nuanced playing unfolds intriguing magic:
Since I have been long connected with both Gstaad, where I have performed many times, and with the International Chopin Piano Festival Duszniki Zdroj, I feel happy to be present in this year’s editions again. The Menuhin-Festival shows that Gstaad is not only an expensive resort, but also offers highest musical culture. In my recital, I will combine works by Debussy and Liszt (from the Swiss year of Années de pèlerinage) that are especially important to me.
In Duszniki, the wonderful nature and the very warm and friendly atmosphere create a unique spirit. My program is all about water: Schulz-Evler’s transcription of the Blue Danube Waltz encounters Liszt’s Au bord d’une source, Debussy’s La cathédrale engloutie and Chopin’s delightful Barcarole.