Imagine sitting down at a piano and demanding this kind of excellence with every performance, every phrase, every stroke of the key. Truly a special human being.
I have never heard a pianist like this. I discovered Sokolov only about two years ago and I can't get enough of his performances. He makes magic every time he plays; he can make an ordinary piece sound like the work of a genius. And a great work truly sublime
Just saw him last night in Concertgebouw Amsterdam. It was magical! I personally met him last year and I told him he should not walk so close to the gods, for mere mortals want to listen to him as well. That was 10 min after a wonderful concert, so I doubt he registered anything, nor my compliment 😄. Nice person btw.
This is Bach as I haven't heard it yet. How come I didn't know of the existence of this self-effacing genius until last week , while show animals like Lang Lang and his grimacing clones litter the 'pages' of YT, craving attention? Sokolov's interpretations are breathtaking, reinventing each musical score. He doesn't play the music, he becomes music, as could be witnessed during yesterday's recital in Brussels. I place him high up there together with Horowitz, Richter, Rubinstein or Gilels: on a par with these piano greats, if not better. Long may he continue!
The force of a hurricane, the grace of a butterfly -- muscular and balletic playing. As though Bach came back to life, downed several energy drinks and played with the ferocity and dignity of someone who'd been itching to play for 250 years.
What tremendous energy, technique, concentration, depth and understanding of music. His ability to bring out the melody and the counterpoint and his indomitable control of tempo and rhythm are breathtaking. What a great pianist.
Wtf, often with Bach people just hold it together like juggling 10 balls on a unicycle over a tightrope, but this is just a force of nature. He makes me proud to b a human, sokolov is one bad ass mo fo, bravO
