Schumann, Chopin: Maurizio Pollini ****
Maurizio Pollini
© Mathias Bothor | DG
Royal Festival Hall, 2nd March 2016
An expectant hall crackled with anticipation. For a recital, the stage was far from bare. A phalanx of red seats on the platform were taken by students, eyes trained on the Fabbrini Steinway at its centre. Lights dimmed and on scuttled Maurizio Pollini, modestly acknowledging the applause before getting straight down to business: Six Little Pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, previously unannounced, his tribute to Pierre Boulez to whom the recital was dedicated. Six miniatures – sparse works, but Pollini placed each one with deliberate care. Applause, a curt nod and off he scuttled again.
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