I had a cassette tape long time ago. V.Ashkenazy played 2 Beethoven's sonatas on it. I liked very much his way of playing.Now I am very happy to find another music in his performance.
For me, this run, and the cadenza of the 4th concerto, typify Beethoven’s particular genius - it is ‘just’ some arpeggios in each hand, and yet it is so much more than the sum of its parts. Like brilliant cookery, it combines simple things into something transcendental.
3rd movement - such simplicity, yet totally amazing. Beet. was such a genius (duh... I know). Was watching the House episode "Dim Wit" where the savant plays air piano on his leg while being scanned. This portion played - now it has been floating through my mind all day. Ethereal, I think, is the word here. Ash is most excellent.
Me, too! For some reason, a long time ago, I started to go back to Ashkenazy after hearing most pianists play just about anything, and figured out why a few years ago: his playing always seemed to show the way pieces should be played, in terms of technique, intent, supreme yet reasoned musicality….I seemed to understand a hint of what the composer wanted from whatever piece he played. Truly astounding!
Ashkenazy was second in 1955! Argerich won in 1965! In 1965 second prize Moreira-Lima! Arturo Benedetti Micelangeli was a jury member 1955 Chopin competition! ABM tought Ashkenazy should be winner 1955!!
