Grigory Sokolov Ultiem meesterschap by Bach, J. S., Chopin, Schumann, De (2024/2024), Amare, Den Haag, Netherlands

Grigory Sokolov is undoubtedly one of the most impressive living pianists. The Russian grandmaster dominates his music with such conviction that it is taken for granted and yet sounds like new. Sokolov is superior, but never arrogant; he is the very top, but above everything else he puts himself at the service of the music. NRC Handelsblad called Sokolov the high priest of individuality and balance: “You can seek happiness in travel, pilgrimages or books. Or you can attend a recital by the Russian master pianist. An evening with Sokolov replaces any travel, because his musical creation is itself an adventure of, and for, the mind. Sokolov is not to be missed: the sacred concentration that occurs when a pianist lives for his music, as a sublime expression of human ability, suffering and ecstasy.”