Reviewing the final concert of Leif Ove Andsnes’ residency with the New York Philharmonic, the New York Times wrote:
“The pianists Daniil Trifonov, 27, and Leif Ove Andsnes, 48, are at very different places in their careers. But as both have had major presences in New York this season, I’ve been struck by how similarly these exceptional pianists approached the coveted platforms they were handed.
“Mr. Trifonov, who had a Perspectives series at Carnegie Hall, has always been able to toss off Liszt and Chopin études or any blockbuster concerto. But from the start he showed a poetic sensibility and probing musical curiosity.
“Mr. Andsnes, who was the New York Philharmonic’s artist in residence this season, is also the opposite of a flashy virtuoso. He has played the standard repertory splendidly, but also has explored works by Janacek, Scandinavian composers and, most recently, Sibelius. (Yes, Sibelius the visionary symphonist wrote a sizable number of fascinatingly strange piano pieces. Who knew?)
“Rather than use their New York bully pulpits to do more of what they do so well — or to give us simply music we already love — these two artists grabbed their opportunities to take chances and get audiences thinking.
“… During this season, both Mr. Andsnes and Mr. Trifonov have been assuming the best of audiences, trusting that there are plenty of curious music-lovers out there. They were right.”
Read the full review online at the New York Times
Source: New York Times