Alexander Ullman (piano)

What an accomplished showman, what a sensitive musician!

Some unfamiliar Liszt made for an intriguing start. The virutosity ratcheted up with the richly romantic ‘Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude’, showing just what Ullman could do: flamboyant, expansive yet also delicately quiet but exhilarating.

The dances from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’, extravagantly arranged by Mikhail Pletnev, were jolly, complex fun, thrillingly mercurial – until the Grand pas de deux, which was frankly breathtaking.

Two deep breaths and he launched into the spectacular fireworks of Stavinsky’s ‘Petrushka’. He clearly enjoyed the heady mix of drama, wit and panache. Such power, such finesse! Bravo!

All Saints Church, 23 May 2018
Rating:
Andrew Connal