Prom 42 (19.08.20) Kissin: recital in the round

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The first-ever solo piano recital at the Proms – showcasing the Russian phenomenon Evgeny Kissin in only his second Proms performance. At 26, his performances and recordings had already brought him the kind of attention reserved for the starriest virtuosos – such as Chopin and Liszt themselves, whose music he plays here alongside Haydn’s noble Sonata No 52.

Liszt’s fiendishly difficult Hungarian Rhapsody No 12 is the jewel in centre of this mammoth recital. With eight distinctive melodies, it is the most thematically rich of the 19 Rhapsodies – as well as one of the most popular. Closing the performance is the last of Chopin’s three piano sonatas.

Haydn: Sonata No 52 in E flat
Liszt: Liebesträum No 3 in A flat
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No 12 in C sharp minor
Chopin: Nocturnes Ops 27 Nos 1 & 2
Chopin: Piano Sonata No 3 in B minor

Evgeny Kissin (piano)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I listened to most of this. Superb playing.

[gradus]

I enjoy Kissin's playing but he seems to have disappeared from UK recitals rooms in recent years, so a good chance to remind us what we're missing. His Carnegie Hall debut recital is another great series of performances.

[LMcD]

I listened to most of this. Superb playing.

Absolutely! I erroneously posted my message of admiration on 'Proms 2020'.

[gurnemanz]

We won't forget a concert he gave in Malmesbury in 1995 as part of the Prince of Wales inspired Music in Country Churches season. Lovely concert and at the end the young Mr Kissin stood in the exit porch - rather like a vicar - and shook hands individually with each member of the the audience as we left.

[Edgy 2]

Absolutely staggering recital,I wish I’d been there.
I’ve seen him live in Manchester twice,spoke to him too while he signed a cd,I wish he’d come back.

[bluestateprommer]

Absolutely staggering recital...

Indeed, yes, from hearing this on iPlayer. This concert was perhaps the rare one where gushing presenter prose (in this case, from Stephanie Hughes) was reasonably warranted, for the sheer quality and style of Evgeny Kissin's playing and interpretations, not least in the "3rd half" of the 7 encores.

Friends and I saw him once in recital in Chicago, dating from years after this Proms. Excellent recital then as well.