Work: Deux Poèmes Op.32

An ambitious programme demonstrated the musical passions and prowess of this most sought-after pianist, holding the Halloween audience in his devilish spell.

Had the piece been much longer, pianist, instrument, audience and hall would surely have been consumed by some Pentecostal fire. Which is more or less what the composer had in mind.

Alexander Melnikov summons up the full range of pianistic emotions in Chopin's 24 Preludes, followed by exploration of texture and dynamic contrast in Scriabin.