Ohlsson played with an intense tenderness, striking the keys with finality but also gently.
Ohlsson played with an intense tenderness, striking the keys with finality but also gently. […] Ohlsson’s lullaby encore, the second movement to Beethoven’s “Pathetique” piano sonata, was a fitting end to a long-needed reunion. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ohlsson is justly acclaimed as a titanic force at the keyboard.
“Ohlsson is justly acclaimed as a titanic force at the keyboard. At moments over the years, listeners have practically needed seatbelts. On this occasion, however, he was a subtle presence, a weaver of gossamer musical fabrics and a wellspring of humble and seemingly effortless virtuosity. He approached the concerto not as a solo showpiece but rather as an outsized work of chamber music. At…
One can think of few A-list virtuosos better equipped to vanquish not only the sometimes awkward technical difficulties of this music but also to lay bare its communicative possibilities.
“He understands that merely delivering a clean, efficient exposition of the notes Brahms put on the page is only half the battle, that the interpreter must search out the expressive meaning in and between the notes if this sometimes elusive music is to reveal its full essence. Above all, he never made piano writing that feels ungainly to the fingers sound ungainly to the ear.” Chicago…
In the third major reopening announcement in as many days, the Ravinia Festival released details of its 2021 season Thursday.
Chicago Classical Review Last year the entire Ravinia summer festival was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Like the Grant Park Music Festival, announced Wednesday, the Highland Park concert series is planning a cautious return to live-music-making. “More than ever before, we look forward to welcoming audiences back to Ravinia to be re-inspired by live music together,” said Jeffrey P.…
This is a performance every bit as imaginative and expressive as Elgar’s remarkable score, rich in contrast and daring but never overblown and always precise. With excellent recording quality throughout, this is in every respect an outstanding disc.
BBC Music Magazine Beach • Elgar Beach: Piano Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 67; Elgar: Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84 Garrick Ohlsson (piano); Takács Quartet Hyperion CDA68295 63:36 mins
Garrick Ohlsson and the Takács Quartet's latest album featuring music by Elgar and Beach has been chosen for Presto Classical's Top 10 Recordings of 2020!
Presto Classical’s Top 10 Recordings of 2020