“The certified masterpiece of the evening, Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto, came after intermission… Garrick Ohlsson, an American veteran, flew in, along with his customary polish and near-spotless virtuosity. This was an elegant interpretation of the substantially heroic score, with burnished rather than vehement double octaves in the first movement.

The Adagio was taken quickly, arguably in keeping with Beethoven’s “un poco mosso” qualification. Accompanying triplets in the left hand were clear. It was interesting, and refreshing, to hear this normally dreamy movement presented with its rhythmic credentials intact. A tad soft-toned for the sparkling finale, the Steinway proved suited to Ohlssohn’s encore, the first movement of the “Moonlight” Sonata, solemnly done.”

Ludwig van