SHURA CHERKASSKY CHOPIN 'FUNERAL MARCH' SONATA NO. 2 IN B FLAT MINOR. 'LIVE' JAPAN 1990

THE 'FUNERAL MARCH' SONATA WAS ALWAYS A BIG FAVOURITE OF CHERKASSKY'S REPERTOIRE

[@Hyramess]

Listening to this incredible genius soon becomes an addiction. One can't help but wonder why Horowitz achieved such fame, and Cherkassky -- a much greater artist with a perfect temperament for performing -- never achieved quite the recognition he so obviously deserved? "If two do the same, it is not the same," so one would never dare even to TRY to imitate Cherkassky's approach, but one must ADORE the way he remains true to himself. Like a window through which the Light of Truth pours freely.

[@ershenlin1774]

Cherkassky is aristocratic and reserved while Horowitz is sensational. The business circle always prefer to promote the sensational one. In a commercial society, promotion is everything.

[@marcvincenti6720]

The man is magic. I can't think of another pianist who plays with so little calculation, so much heart, such melodiousness, and at the same time such refinement. His sounds are all his own, and so beautiful.

[@rogercarroll2551]

Many years ago he came to present a recital at my undergraduate school, walking into the hall where the recital was to be. I was there using the Steinway grand for practice and had just gotten my music together and raincoat to leave. Maestro was alone and stopped to ask if he was in the right hall; I put out my hand to shake his and assure him he was in the right place. Upon receiving and returning my handshake he said to me, "You are izher pinanist ou yestler!" I assured him I was not a college wrestler. "No," he said: I did not sink zo." Marvelous musician he was, and a good judge of handshake power!

[@piano345]

Cherkassky admired Horowitz very much and said that he wanted to be like him. Both pianists were masters of tonal colouring and shading. Cherkassky said that he was flattered when Horowitz attended his performance of Rachmaninoff's third piano concerto at the Royal Festival Hall in London in the 1980s. It was Wanda Horowtiz who asked Shura to give a short recital in New York in memory of her husband. I don't like to think of artists being 'greater' but prefer 'different.'

[@meredith218461]

Remarkably fresh and youthful playing for a man in his 80s at the time. I believe Chopin described the 1st, 2nd and 4th mvts of this illusive masterpiece as three of his wildest children. This is a superb representation of a great pianist from the golden age of piano playing.

[@АллаКондрашина-ч1ж]

гениально,магия и гипноз!

[@MrInterestingthings]

how does he create silence in scherzo and the aura in the funeral mov. i cant believe the playing and his ideas are fabulous.

[@marikafontanella8265]

I really like the funeral march, one of the most beautiful interpretations

[@thomgeo8073]

SHURA ❤

[@chrisczajasager]

my favorite Shura quip:" You might not like my playing, but you can't say it's boring !"

[@p1anosteve]

Remarkable control and stamina for someone his age.

[@piano345]

Yes wonderful playing - even more so for a man in his eighties. Shura was once asked what he thought of young players today and he replied, - 'you know what they are going to do - I like surprises.' Asked about English pianists he replied, 'polite.' Shura always had something personal to convey in his performances. Whether or not you liked what he had to say is another matter.

[@Hyramess]

After listening to him for the past two days I have just become possibly Cherkassky's greatest fan, but obviously from the tone of that unfortunate remark, he never knew Stephen Hough or Irene Scharrer -- or Myra Hess. I agree, however, about the lack of spontaneity in most established artists -- and especially among contest winners, virtually all of whom seem to have lost track of why this music was created in the first place. Technical mastery may be high, but love is too often absent.

[@piano345]

Yes his playing of this sonata is quite exceptional - every performance slightly different.

[@MrInterestingthings]

he would like Hough. but the development section here is revelatory the first subject fighting the upper vices.but his sound is always there. what a joy it is to have this japanese tv left for us who never felt him live. his stamina is also remarkable. this sonata is the one thing ive always wished to hear him play . i must find his earlier rec.Glorious phrasing so new so surprising conception.

[@kratzkamer]

please date and location.Great performance.thank you for posting

[@piano345]

Very true! Shura's playing wasn't for purists.

[@keikoabe845]

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