Posted on Sun, May. 13, 2007
German pianist Severin von Eckardstein, if not exactly a household name in the music world, has received considerable attention as winner of several major piano competitions. His appearance at the Miami International Piano Festival represents a first for this artist, and by the playing heard from the stage of the Lincoln Theatre on Saturday night, we have waited too long to encounter this extraordinary player.
In one of the most interesting programs of the season, Eckardstein began with Beethoven's Sonata No. 21 dedicated to the composer's early benefactor Count Ferdinand von Waldstein. Although the work is clearly cast in a virtuosic mode, there was little that was showy about this performance. Tempos were never pushed, and the relentlessly loud dynamics heard in many performances were kept well under control.
At first it seemed a bit remote, but Eckardstein has a broader view of Beethoven's creation and the final Rondo served as catharsis for what preceded it. It was a different perspective, and one which saved most cumulative energy for the final coda, with glissandos executed well.
A grouping of four Mendelssohn Songs without Words, and his ebullient Rondo Capriccioso, were light and airy with feathery execution. The not-so-miniature miniatures were a joy to experience in such beautifully rendered readings.
The Sonata Tragica by Russian composer Nicolai Medtner is the final movement from his second volume of Forgotten Melodies. It's a brief, turbulent episode that begins and ends with a hammer stroke of fate. As befits the music, Eckardstein held nothing back as the stormy shower of notes resounded throughout the auditorium. This outstanding pianist showed his ability to generate a large volume of sound when needed and still handle barely audible contrasts within an awesome dynamic range.
Leos Janacek's Sonata ``I.X.1905'' packs a lot of emotion in its 12-minute duration. If hardly cheerful, Janacek's subtle working out of his materials requires great concentration from the pianist. The sadness and tragedy were well-captured by Eckardstein.
This remarkable concert concluded with the Sonata No. 3 by Alexander Scriabin. Once again, the pianist showed his mastery of dynamic contrast in one of the composer's most tender and lyrical works, Eckardstein giving an extra expressive lift and yearning to the Drammatico opening movement.
