Christian Blackshaw at the Snape Proms

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

On Sunday 25th August, pianist Christian Blackshaw performed the following at the Snape Maltings:-

Mozart Fantasie in D minor K397; Sonata in D major K576
Schubert Sonata in A minor D784
Schumann Fantasie in C major Op.17

It was one of thos ocasions that will stay in the memory for many years to come, such was CB's control and musical perception. I don't think I've ever heard Mozart performed as well as this.

[Padraig]

E A, I am delighted to read your appreciation of the performance by Christian Blackshaw. My memory for names is not very good, but I remember his. In what must have been an early public appearance, Christian Blackshaw performed at a lunchtime concert at Keele University, where I was attending a course. That would have been in the early seventies. I was very impressed, but then I lost sight of him, so it is very pleasing to hear he is still playing and still making an impression. Thank you for the mention.

[AmpH]

A musical friend speaks very highly of hearing Christian Blackshaw's Mozart piano sonata cycle at the Wigmore Hall last year. This imminent cd release is apparently the first of 4 volumes covering this well received cycle :-

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Wigmore%2BHall%2BLive/WHLIVE0061-2

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

E A, I am delighted to read your appreciation of the performance by Christian Blackshaw. My memory for names is not very good, but I remember his. In what must have been an early public appearance, Christian Blackshaw performed at a lunchtime concert at Keele University, where I was attending a course. That would have been in the early seventies. I was very impressed, but then I lost sight of him, so it is very pleasing to hear he is still playing and still making an impression. Thank you for the mention.

Christian Blackshaw disappeared for some years when his wife died, leaving him to bring up his young children. He put their interests first and only returned to the concert platform recently.

[gradus]

4 or 5 years ago he deputised at Snape for another pianist who was indisposed and I thought he played beautifully and sensitively in a programme akin to the latest. I had intended to hear him on this occasion but couldn't get there. He is one of those pianists that I would try to hear perform, others include Steven Osborne and Cedric Thibergien, although I have only ever heard broadcasts by the latter.

[Alison]

Thanks for the heads up on the Wigmore Hall series. Looks a must have to me.

[Padraig]

Christian Blackshaw
Today's Lunchtime Concert. 1pm.
Schubert and Schumann.

[amateur51]

Christian Blackshaw
Today's Lunchtime Concert. 1pm.
Schubert and Schumann.

Many thanks for this alert, Padraig

[Barbirollians]

Gracious I haven't heard him since he played Beethoven 4 very well with the CBSO/Rattle before a sensational performance of the Rite in Sheffield in late 1987 .

Look forward to this concert.

[johnb]

There has been a last minute programme change.

After pressure from the BBC the recital will now comprise Hollywood show tunes arranged for piano.

[Barbirollians]

There has been a last minute programme change.

After pressure from the BBC the recital will now comprise Hollywood show tunes arranged for piano.

Sadly, Michael Ball is unavailable to turn up and sing them as hoped .

[amateur51]

Sadly Michael Ball is unavailable to turn up and sing them as hoped .

Barry Norman has agreed to turn the pages for Mr Blackshaw in case he's not up to speed.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I must admit, the possiblity had occurred to me.

[Barbirollians]

An enjoyable concert but I preferred the Schumann to his Schubert which I thought a touch dour.

[amateur51]

Christian Blackshaw
Today's Lunchtime Concert. 1pm.
Schubert and Schumann.

What an excellent concert. I know both pieces well and I was fascinated by how Blackshaw made them fresh for me - I loved the portentous bass trills in the Schubert, a piece that I'd got to know though recordings by Ashkenazy, Brendel and Lupu I think. I probably haven't listened to it for 20 years or more, have previously over-played it. Blackshaw's playing led to my falling in love with it all over again.

Two pianists were brought to mind in the Schumann Fantasie - Pollini, because I'm sure he would never, more's the pity, have lingered so long in the second movement, and Cherkassky for the wonder of the hidden melodies that Blackshaw revealed in the final two movements.

And I so admired the way Blackshaw held that appropriate silence at the end of the Schumann - someone tried to intrude but was ignored until Blackshaw presumably indicated that it was indeed over.

Many thanks maestro - I'll certainly listen again soon