Melodiya presents a unique find from the its sound archive – a broadcast recording of Mikhail Pletnev’s recital at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory on 31 October 1979. This recording has never been previously released on record or CD.
For almost forty years, from his triumphant victory at the VI International Tchaikovsky Competition, the name of Mikhail Pletnev has never disappeared from the playbills in Russia and overseas remaining a subject of disputes and discussions. Pletnev is known today as an outstanding conductor, a creator of one of the best domestic orchestras and a talented composer.
Today, looking back from a distance of many years, the musician’s “early” recordings appear to be even more interesting. The recent student of Yakov Flier (Pletnev was the great teacher’s last pupil, his “swan song”) who continued his education at the graduate school with Professor Lev Vlasenko), the 22-year-old Mikhail Pletnev demonstrates his impeccable style and professional skills.
The programme includes works by J.S. Bach, Scarlatti, Beethoven and Chopin. The music of each of the composers is showcased in its individual originality (Chopin’s Third Sonata should be mentioned in particular because its interpretation is notable for rare unity and integrity of the large-scale cycle).
From his very first steps, Mikhail Pletnev proves to be a mature and independent artist with a fully developed pianistic style.
