Grigory Sokolov

Programme: William Byrd: Fitzwilliam Virginal Book John come kiss me now BK81, T478 My Ladye Nevells Booke The first pavan BK29a, T487 The galliard to the first pavan BK29b, T487 Fantasia BK63, T455/ Fantasia Alman BK11, T436 Fitzwilliam Virginal Book Pavan: The Earl of Salisbury Galliard BK15b, T503 Second galliard BK15c, T503 Callino Casturame BK35, T441 At the request of the artist the second part of the programme will be announced later The 74-year-old Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov occupies one of the highest places in the pantheon of piano masters, with several critics over the years having proclaimed him the world’s greatest living pianist. His remarkable talent began attracting attention when he was just 12 and at 16 he became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition. Owing to the political situation at the time, however, he was limited to performances in his homeland. His international breakthrough did not come until the late 1980s, after which he rapidly became one of the world’s most sought-after musicians, performing with all the world’s most prestigious orchestras. After a few years, however, he realised that the easiest way for him to express his musical vision was through piano recitals. Since then he has given no more than around 70 performances a year, taking the time to prepare every recital programme with care and immersing himself in it fully before presenting it to an audience. Of all his superlative qualities, the one most frequently noted by critics is the remarkable tonal palette that Sokolov coaxes from the piano. In order to ensure the perfect aural experience and sonic quality, he makes very high demands of the instrument that awaits him on the concert stage. He spends long hours with piano technicians examining the technical characteristics of the instrument and adapting it to his own strict standards. As he himself says: “You need hours to understand the piano because each piano has its own personality, and we play together!”