When I left Sundin Hall Wednesday evening, I had a smile on my face. It got there after hearing Russian pianist Elmar Gasanov play an imaginative program of Bartok, Liszt, Chopin, Medtner and Albeniz at the Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition. The Liszt Sonata in b minor is no stranger to piano competitions and Gasanov played it convincingly, with an understanding of its complex architecture. The rest of his recital gave us a chance to see additional facets his musicianship. This included Spanish dances by Albeniz, a Fairy Tale by Medtner, and a little more Liszt with a chaming Valse-Caprice after Schubert.
Word on the street is that today's lineup is one of the strongest. Stop by Hamline University's Sundin Hall anytime between noon and 9:30 pm to decide for yourself. And remember, admission is free!
Listen to my conversation with John Birge
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