Yefim Bronfman Performs Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Jaap Van Zweden and the New York Philharmonic welcome Avery Fisher Prize and Grammy Award-winning piano virtuoso Yefim Bronfman for a soul-stirring program of romantic era giants Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. Soviet-born but of Israeli-American nationality, Bronfman is well respected for his interpretations of the modern Russian repertory and widely recognized as one of the greatest pianists of his generation. His powerful key-touch balances firework moments with shades of exquisite subtlety, artistic finesse and grace.
The evening begins with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2, an important showpiece that heralded the composer's greatness when he sought to establish himself in Vienna in the late 1700s. Its sweeping drama and tonal contrast is followed by Rachmaninoff's magnificent Symphony No. 2, a deeply romantic piece that symbolises hope and redemption thanks to its resounding success in the wake of the harsh criticism endured by the composer's first symphony.