EVerytime I try to write something innately and exteriorly descriptive of this marvelous pianist, I can't come close. The opening ot this piece, in his instinctive fingers that are guided by transcendental musical-pianistic concepts, brings to mind the eruption of a thousand sparkling flames from a pearlized dish. [OK , better next time.]
simpiano, I so agree with you! No one can play lke this! Whereas one might think that only (serious) pianists might be aware of his specialness, he sends his musical language to ALL ears, and I can't imagine a trombonist or a cellist or a soprano would not get his message. I think since Tchaikowsky wrote this for orchestra, it might well pay future conductors of the Ballet to study his interpretation.
Welcome to the journey of discovering Bozhanov genius, i am sure you won't be dissapointed ;) , I recommend you to listen to the videos on his channel "chagrisFR", look for a video of the Mephisto Waltz in that channel (In Warsaw).
You must have missed the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition. He was one of the finalists, and many of us thought he should have won. If you haven't already, check out the Van Cliburn Foundation YT page for videos of his playing. And there's one in the right-hand column of this page. Enjoy. ☺
Ah! that's the problem I have with the Van Cliburn Competition and music competitions in general! This year I just watched the 30 contestants in the first round of Van Cliburn, and when it got to the eliminations, I stopped watching because I don't believe in it. After lots of exploration, I've given up on "1st place" winners because none of them ever touch my spirit. Every person has his/her own personal musical taste, and I'm not going to let some jury tell me that my taste is wrong.
