Submitted by Raymond Vacchino, Aug 14, 2008 16:21

The article impressively offers an insightful overview of pianist Krysztian Zimmeran's recent concert at the internationally prestigious Salzburg Festival. Zimmernam, a winner of the Chopin Competition, maintains Poland's nineteenth century reservoir of great pianists, with his innate ability to purely respect the musical priorities of the repertoire he chooses to perform. As mentioned, Zimmerman's facility can lead him into tempos that are abnormally fast. Usually, however he performs with taste and a distinctive style. I very much appreciate the vivid remarks, and attention to the musical detail, regarding the playing of each varied dance style of J.S. Bach's second Partita in C minor.

The specific knowledge of the fact that this Partita in particular, is prefaced by a Sinfonia in three sections, indeed deserves "browny" points on the part of the author. I totally agree with the comments on Zimmernam's playing fast movements "too fast", much like Artur Schnabel's first movements of the Beethoven sonatas. The article "picks up", on Zimmernan's tonally sweet and unmannered playing, as well as performances notable for their passion and finesse. The commentary given on the performances of works by Szymanowski, and Bacewicz are well thought out, and true to form. I had the honor of studying with Nadia Boulanger in her later years, and there are many jewel-like nuances in Zimmerman's playing of Bacewicz's sonata, that bring forth memories of Boulanger's personal style, that were unfortunately missed in this article. It is also extremely sad, that America must suffer the loss of Mr. Zimmerman's musical presence, and deeply heartfelt pianism. Hopefully his thoughts about performing in Canada still remain inspirational?

Overall, I found this article to be one of sophisticated grading, musically optimistic in character, and written by someone that deserves to be heard from, more often! Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.

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