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Out of 24 pianists
who played at the second round I’ve heard 14.
Such a pity! It seems that Asian pianists contest with Russians and
“former” Russians in mechanical playing. By the way they’re doing well and all look
alike. An absurd analogy with figure skating comes to mind. In this sport they practice
without music, which appears at the last moment. But that’s sport. And when the
competition features performance but lacks Music…?
Unfortunately I should for 100% agree with an opinion about Dorensky. His
students stand out striking the keyboard as if they played the drum. Also, they lack the
personality in their performance. The jury’s and the audience’s favorite Vadim Rudenko
didn’t seem to be interesting at all. He’s experienced, well taught, smart etc. But
where’s tremor, agitation – all those things? For there’s no music without them..
After all, he wasn’t technically blameless too – especially in Chopin’s Sonata #2.
Still, there were 3 pianists who were not bad. Alexei Soultanov – I think
his performance of Prokofiev’s Sonata #7 was brilliant. Beginning from the second
movement I enjoyed Prokofiev’s music itself, and I guess I’ve never heard such a
mighty final movement!
Olivier Perebrune (France) – absolute opposition to the “mechanical”
playing. He’s got perfect feel of music and beautiful sound. His performing of
Shubert’s 17 Sonata and Skriabin’s 5 Sonata were absolutely great.
Victoria Korchinskaya-Kogan – emotional, aristocratic and very
technically skilled pianist. Brahms’ 2 Sonata was especially good. After all, she’s
very young and this leaves some hope.
Vladimir Smolkin
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As a
member of the violin jury I don’t enough time to listen to the auditions in other
sections, though still I’ve heard some of the contestants. And this is why I’m not
even surprised, but simply shocked with the fact that Alexei Soultanov was not admitted to
the final round. For he is a pianist, a soloist, a musician, blessed by God. I’m sure
about it. I don’t mean that there’s something wrong with the contestants who were
admitted, but the fact that Soultanov was not admitted makes the final round in the piano
section absolutely incorrect for me. Maxim Fedotov
Member of the violin jury of the XI International Tchaikovsky competition
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