Vladimir Ashkenazy in Sydney, Australia.

[Tod]

Wow!! what a week it has been so far....I have to pinch myself, going to "work" every day to watch/ listen and assist with the rehearsals and performances conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy. I have even seen/heard him play briefly in rehearsals of Rachmaninov piano concerti. He is a Maestro in every sense of the word. What an incredibly genuine, top bloke he is. Always smiling, totally professional and has a great rapport with the Orchestra. Can't speak highly enough of him. Last nights performance ended with two rousing cheers from the enthusiastic 2700 strong audience and what felt like 10 minutes of applause after he brilliantly conducted Rachmaninov's Symphony #2 completely from memory.


Back to all things LvBeethoven, just got the new CD of Ashkenazy's recording of the 33 Variations in C on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli. Op.120. It also has the 12 Variations in A on the Russian Dance from Paul Wranitzky's Ballet 'Das Waldmadchen' WoO 71. The CD was recorded in July last year, and has all the trademark clarity, musicality and technical brilliance of his other recordings. Well worth a listen.

[Fidelio]

Must be hell.....congratulations.
How is he devoting his concert performances between conducting and performing?

The only Beethoven recordings I rate him are the violin sonatas with Perlman.

[Tod]

Must be hell.....congratulations.
How is he devoting his concert performances between conducting and performing?

The only Beethoven recordings I rate him are the violin sonatas with Perlman.

He is only conducting. The brief times I've seen/ heard him play are when preparing to rehearse the orchestra with the pianist, when everyone is warming up/ taking their positions on the stage, and he is finalising ideas on the performance with the soloist.

Haven't heard the Perlman recordings, but fair enough, each to their own. Have you heard his recordings of the piano sonatas? I'd seriously recommend the Diabelli variations.

[Fidelio]

Thanks, must be a joy to see/hear him.

I have heard his Piano Sonatas but I'm afraid I advocate Brendel/Kovacevich for Beethoven's Piano works. As you say, each to their own.