Royal Festival Hall, London

Schumann Piano Concerto
Philharmonia Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Saturday 8 May 2010, Royal Festival Hall, London

By Andrew Maisel, ClassicalSource.com

Leading quote: “Virtuosity was kept firmly in check in the finale, Kim’s lightness of touch and finesse never less than compelling.” Read more…

“Schumann’s Piano Concerto was here delightfully free of mannerism and affectation, stressing the gentler side of Schumann’s writing.  Kim possesses a lovely technique, his runs are clear, the notes firmly shaped.  It could be argued that his playing was almost too laidback at times but investing his phrases with ample tonal colouring and shading ensured this performance never strayed into blandness.  He was lucky enough to enjoy the sensitive accompaniment of Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra, the delightful woodwinds in the first movement matching Kim’s expressiveness.  The second-movement intermezzo was a model of how a constructive dialogue between a soloist and a conductor can yield poetic results.  Virtuosity was kept firmly in check in the finale, Kim’s lightness of touch and finesse never less than compelling.”