Jonathan Biss (piano)

For his Brighton Festival debut Jonathan Biss was in festive mode, starting with Beethoven’s Sonata No. 6, alert and vibrant with almost percussive pedal work. Janácek’s ‘Selections from On an Overgrown Path’ provided a lyrical contrast, gentle and wistful. Somehow Biss retains energy when playing even very quietly, and fast. Chopin’s Nocturne Op 62. No 1, with echoes of a musical nightingale, was yet more dazzling but even better was Beethoven’s ‘Waldstein’ Sonata. Its driving pace was dangerously fast and glorious. Purists probably hated it. Perhaps it wouldn’t do for a library choice but it crowned a perfect Spring recital.

Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, 16 May 2014

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