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Catch talented pianist if you can
Garrick Ohlsson's artistry is worth the drive south. And check out his recordings.
By ZACHARY LEWIS
Published November 7, 2006
When pianist Garrick Ohlsson appears with the Florida West Coast Symphony in concerts Thursday through Sunday, he will be playing Chopin. But Beethoven has been his main concern lately, specifically Beethoven's Piano Sonatas, all of which Ohlsson is recording in a Garrick Ohlsson Edition for Bridge Records. So far, he has released Volumes One and Two, along with a special side project of Bach's Goldberg Variations and a Handel suite. All are worth noting. Ohlsson's musicianship is generally defined by robust character, intelligence, strength and control, and so an unusually wide swath of repertoire is open to him. These qualities serve him especially well in Beethoven, in whose music tension between extremes is normal. Take the Largo of the challenging E-flat Sonata Op. 7, for example, on Volume One. Another pianist might interpret it evenly. Ohlsson, however, seeks out sharp contrasts, lending his performance thrilling surprise. He does it again in the central allegro. Sharp outbursts punctuate a stream of pianissimo triplets like thunderbolts, keeping the ears perpetually on edge. Everything is sterling clear, even through the brisk finale. But in the famous A-major Sonata Op. 101, a leaden pace robs the outer movements of much lightness and grace. All is well on Volume Two. Give Ohlsson's tender deliberation at the start of the E-flat Lebewohl (Farewell) Sonata Op. 81 its full due and you're in for a treat. The moment of transition, when sadness suddenly gives way to joy, is electric, as is the brisk conclusion. His balanced handling of the early A-major Sonata Op. 2 No. 2 is also striking. Traces of Beethoven's lingering classicism are present, but swells of emotion are never far from the surface. The contrapuntal music of Bach's Goldberg Variations is no stretch for Ohlsson, who drives through the set without repeats or loss of momentum. The playing is clearly voiced, full of expressive nuances. With these three discs, listeners can substantially round out their picture of Ohlsson's artistry. Josh Groban, Awake Frank Sinatra, Sinatra: Vegas (CD/DVD box set) Eric Clapton & J.J. Cale, The Road to Escondido Sugarland, Enjoy the Ride Keith Urban, Love, Pain & the Whole Damn Thing Andrea Bocelli, Under The Desert Sky Dionne Warwick, My Friends & Me The Bee Gees, The Studio Albums: 1967-1968 Garrick Ohlsson If you go Garrick Ohlsson performs with the Florida West Coast Symphony, 8 p.m. Thursday, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota; 8 p.m. Friday, Manatee Community College, Bradenton; 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Van Wezel. $31-$75. (941) 953-3434; www.fwcs.org. CD review Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Volumes One and Two; Bach: Goldberg Variations; Handel: Suite No. 2 in F Major; Garrick Ohlsson, piano (Bridge Records). Grade: A-
[Last modified November 7, 2006, 06:28:16]
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