| Denis Kozhukhin | Piano |
A fantastical sonata, amusing impromptus and a moody waltz reflect the ‘spellbinding’ artistry of Denis Kozhukhin. His virtuosic talent has been described by critics as ‘imperious’ and ‘mesmerizing’. Kozhukhin opens his programme with arguably Beethoven’s most famous sonata. While this is popularly known as the Moonlight, the name did not come from the composer, who gave his Sonata Op.27 No.2 the title quasi una fantasia (‘like a fantasy’). The improvisatory mood continues with Schubert’s second set of four Impromptus – music which surprises and delights. In the second half, Kozhukhin performs a selection of Grieg’s pastoral Lyric Pieces and Ravel’s brooding, spectacularly virtuosic La Valse, written in the aftermath of the First World War.
Ticket prices: £45,35,25,18,10
