Murray Perahia September 2011

Posted October 1, 2011

The Scottish Herald, 29 August 2011

By Conrad Wilson

“It was a wonderfully agile, articulate performance, not least at those ambidextrous moments when Perahia’s right hand played the notes and his left conducted them. The work’s many Beethovenisms – more numerous and more Beethovenish than is traditionally believed – were crisply caught. The startling first movement cadenza burst from its surroundings with compelling vehemence, the pathos of the adagio was eloquently dwelt upon, and the most infectious bounce was brought to the final rondo. Strings and woodwind seemed to enjoy the experience as much as Perahia did. The audience was not short-changed.”

The Scotsman, 29 August 2011

By Carol Main

*****

“With the ever graceful Murray Perahia as soloist and director, and in Beethoven’s Piano concerto no. 2, the same strong string sound and well-controlled wind and brass brought endless energy to the teenage composer’s early masterpiece. Free-spirited, yet with a tight grip, the beautifully refined and sensitive soundscapes of orchestra and soloist were a perfect match.”

“Taking the podium for Schubert, originally scored for piano duet and later orchestrated by the virtuoso violinist Josef Joachim, Perahia was clear and precise as conductor, with plenty of rhythmic bite to the aptly names large-scale Grand Duo.”

The Times, 30 August 2011

By Neil Fisher

“The main event for most was probably Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.2, and here Perahia the pianist shows his customary elegance and wit, almost shaping the piece from his central spot – he was directing the ensemble too – as if he was imagining it then and there.”