I love the tempo. Most pianist tend to play this piece too fast in my opinion, ignoring the passionate taste in the music. But this tempo really makes me feel the music a lot more.
Nearly made me shed a tear. I am so thankful and blessed to be learning this, now. I pray I will do it justice! Lovely rendition and exquisite flavors.
Of course his singing touch - such varied sensitivity, whether a murmuring caress or emphatic statement, is unequaled when he performs Romantic literature. However, I also especially like his exaggerated tempo fluctuations because they absolutely work. If another pianist attempted to 'copy' Cherkassky's kind of slowing almost to a halt, or even stopping - taking a long pause, I doubt it would 'work'. I don't think anyone else could 'get away' (successfully) with that. But with Cherkassky, it comes off very natural with no holes in the musical flow. He was inimitable.
I think Gilels and now Volodos are close in spirit. I would include Pogorelich on this list as far as slowing down to bring out some of the most hidden ideas in pieces, but unfortunately, he does so at the expense of sound quality.
I really don't like this kind of playing, making a complete own version of something written. Rushing, dragging, playing forte with soft dynamics or vice versa - all kind of "personal interpretation", not respecting the markings and intentions of the composer. Of course the playing of Cherkassky is of its own kind, with a wonderfully singing tone and skillful phrasing even despite the very slow tempo at the beginning, but it doesn't save the overall appearance.