Death of a formidable Russian pianist, 80
mainThe Scrabin interpreter and musical intellectual Igor Zhukov died yesterday, January, 26, in Moscow.
A student of Gilels and Neuhaus, he conducted the Moscow Chamber Orchestra until 1994 and the Soloists of Nizhny Novgorod. He recorded the complete Scriabin sonatas for Melodiya, along with much else.
More than most artists, he had a passionate interest in the mechanics of recording. ‘I am the best pianist among recording engineers, and the best recording engineer among pianists,’ he would say.
He had little interest in foreign travel and none at all in personal image.
Was he related to Marshal Zhukov or is it a common name in Russia?
His Medtner First Concerto is also fantastic. He gives this concerto tremendous sweep and momentum, so necessary in a work that can tend to ramble.The lyrical aspects really take wing, and, combined with his formidable power and bravura, make for an unforgettable musical experience.
+1
A truly unique artist, not very well-known outside Russia, who concentrated on the Romantic piano repertoire, and indeed a great Scriabinist. RIP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhhVsQIRrCc
Zhukov was a great and entirely unique artist.
One thing about Medtner: he never, ever, rambles.
…hmmm…possibly in his “Dithyrambes”….? Rather dithering rambles, i think.
To my ears his Bach c-minor passacaglia has tons of character and some most interesting sonorities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn7yXtqdKRA
He recorded a powerful, thrilling, and beautiful Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #2 (the original uncut version).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYY8uzOZLGc
Je souscris à ce commentaire en ajoutant que je n’en ai jamais entendu depuis de version égalée
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