A top Russian conductor, imitating Putin, strips off

A top Russian conductor, imitating Putin, strips off

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norman lebrecht

September 12, 2017

Recognise him?

This is Vladmir Spivakov, filmed on his 70th birthday three years ago by fellow-Putin insider, Denis Matsuev.

If the video does not automatically show, please click here.

Matsuev, sober, reposted it today.

Comments

  • erich says:

    Matsuev, the human typewriter, who bangs his way through any old repertoire any old way….

  • MWnyc says:

    Credit where credit is due: he’s in very good shape for a 70-year-old.

  • La Verita says:

    The famous musician’s photographer Christian Steiner took nude photographs of Spvakov. At a routine photo shoot, he asked him if he wouldn’t mind disrobing, and Spivakov happily obliged him.

  • Mark says:

    Spivakov, a top conductor ? More like a solid violinist who led a very good chamber orchestra (the Moscow Virtuosi). He isn’t much of a conductor…

    • Steinway Fanatic says:

      Spivakov is a 4th rate violinist & a 5th rate conductor. However, he’s a 1st rate manipulator, and therein lies his success with the Kremlin, as clearly Putin can’t hear the difference.

  • Robert Manno says:

    How does one say “Complicit Sycophants” in Russian?

  • Ruth says:

    I had never heard of Denis Matsuev until last week’s prom, when he played Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 3 and Lutoslawski Paganini variations. I thought he was terrific. On a more general note congratulations to the BBC for an enjoyable proms season and also excellent radio coverage of the Edinburgh festival this summer.

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