A Triumph for pianist, George Li!

Among many opening piano recitals beamed around the world by Medici in the first round of the Tchaikovsky Competition, George Li's display of virtuosity was the most riveting for me. A synthesis of intellect, emotion, sensitivity and spontaneity hallmarked Li's interpretation of Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Liszt masterworks. A replay of the opener…

Rekindling memories of Van Cliburn, the Cold War, Kirill Kondrashin, etc

A friend sent me a link to her favorite performance of Tschaikovsky's Bb minor, WARHORSE concerto-- the one with the big splash CHORD opener. Pianists dream of conquering these sonorities without a falter, but not necessarily in their lifetime. For me the easiest way to reach to the stars on this one, was to sit…