Music / Alexander Gadjiev. At Greenaway Studio, October 16. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

WINNER of the 2021 Sydney International Piano Competition, Alexander Gadjiev is on an extensive national tour and this was Canberra’s turn to hear this pianist who is said to have eyes and ears in his fingertips.

Gadjiev began with a recent work by American composer Kyle Gann, “Earth Preserving Chant”.  Sounding like a mantra, its repeated bass note set the scene. This moody, slow, tonal work had a rising and falling theme, somewhat minimal but telling a story. It remained middle register for almost all of it.

Layered with chords and occasional treble runs, leaning towards jazz with a slight dissonance, it built to a climax before falling back to its original structure, and then an abrupt end.

Gadjiev’s playing of the Chopin “Prelude in C# minor”, flowed with great form and beauty. Without sheet music, this piece was like a well-known friend to him. The subtlety and sensitivity of his performance spoke volumes about his connection to Chopin’s music.

In the second Chopin work, “Polonaise fantasie in Ab Major”, the full warm chords in the opening sounded as though the piano was singing. Gadjiev’s playing sparkled with brilliance. He seemed to be lost in the music, as though he was playing for himself. This pianist can transmit not just the notes, perfect phrasing and impassioned dynamics, but also the inner story of the music.

Robert Schumann’s “Fantasie in C”, Op. 17, is an extraordinary work full of fire and passion. Again, without sheet music, he fell into the piece with conviction while taking the audience with him in this sold-out concert.

The pace and dynamic of this Fantasie is at times breathtaking. It is so fast, occasionally it’s hard to keep up with all that is going on. It’s almost experimental as well. It moves through many changes in style and voice. At times, it’s deeply and heavily classical and then almost jazz-like. The music reminded me of a conversation between several people happening all at once.

Its reflective moments were short but dreamy. The songs within, grand and positive. This is challenging music on any level. Gadjiev performed it like he had written it. He was not tested by the complex language of the piece. Looking relaxed throughout, the music poured from him in a compelling show that oozed freshness and vibrancy.

This performance was one of the best concerts of piano music this reviewer has heard for many years.

But then, to show his immense skills, as an encore, he asked the audience for three notes. They chose Eb, E and C#. After a wry look, as these three notes are not part of a key structure, out poured this complex, roaring piece that crossed classical and modern styles. Brilliant stuff. Brilliant concert.