Gustavo Romero betower!

 

Breathtaking! That's how concert pianist Gustavo Romero's concert on March 13 was described.

His programme was ushered in with three Russian composers who were themselves outstanding pianists in their day – as highlighted by Romero. 

Eerste aan die beurt was Rêve Angélique (Angélique se droom) van Rubinstein, wat hy met die warm linkerhand-melodie en vloeiende regterhand byna teer soos water laat opbou het tot ’n klimaks.

Hierna volg die sangerige Canzona Serenata van Nikolai Medtner, treurig en vol emosie.

Dit word afgesluit met die baie ritmiese, uitbundige, moderne klanke van Prokofiev se Danza Op. 32 no.1.

Die Rachmaninof-variasies op ’n tema van Chopin Op. 22 was absoluut briljant! Romero het die verskillende genres en style van die variasies skitterend vertolk en dinamies gevleg deur die style en periodes, wat Rachmaninof baie slim verwerk het. Daar bestaan baie opnames van hierdie werk, maar dit was beslis die beste wat ek al gehoor het.

Die Scriabin-preludes is uitgevoer met akademiese presiesheid, perfekte tempo en tydsberekening.

Die Firebird-suite van Stravinsky was soos vuurwerke – tegnies uitdagend en kragtig met stylvolle afwisseling tussen uitbarstings en kalmte. Dit was deurgaans uiters boeiend tot by die Finale.

Romero's astonishing musical and emotional colouring led to a spontaneous standing ovation by the appreciative audience. As an encore, he treated us to the lesser-known Enchanted Nymph from Levitzki.

What really impressed was that he performed the whole concert without any sheet music and with intense focus and concentration. 

What an exceptional artist!

-       Petro Botha

 

Breathtaking! That's how concert pianist Gustavo Romero's concert on March 13 was described.

His programme was ushered in with three Russian composers who were themselves outstanding pianists in their day – as highlighted by Romero. These were Rêve Angélique (Angélique's dream) by Rubinstein, the Canzona Serenata by Nikolai Medtner, and Prokofiev's Danza Op. 32 no.1.

The Rachmaninov Variations on a theme from Chopin Op. 22 were absolutely brilliant! The Scriabin preludes were performed with academic precision, perfect pacing, and timing.  And Stravinsky's Firebird suite was like fireworks .

Romero's astonishing musical and emotional colouring led to a spontaneous standing ovation by the appreciative audience. As an encore, he treated us to the lesser-known Enchanted Nymph from Levitzki.