MUSIC MATTERS: MASTERWORKS BY RACHMANINOFF WITH IVAN GUSEV, PIANO

Description

Ivan Gusev, 1886 Chickering concert grand Masterworks by Rachmaninoff 10 Preludes, Op. 23 Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 Sonata No. 2 in b-flat, Op. 36 “A profound, genuine musician who makes each note live.” “We had no idea the piano was capable of such shadings and color.” “Sheer incandescence!” These accolades typify critics’ and listeners’ comments after a solo recital by Ivan Gusev. As a young student, this native of Kazakhstan garnered every competition first in the greater Moscow area, then cleaned up top prizes in New York City and around the US. He brings an astonishing wealth of expression and jeweled phrasing to Rachmaninoff’s appealing, challenging scores. He will play the ten preludes of Op. 2, a compelling encyclopedia of the composer’s sonic world, then elicit the passion and dark lyricism of the virtuosic 2nd Sonata. You will hear the fully restored 1886 Chickering, a Romantic-era concert grand ideal for realizing Rachmaninoff’s unmistakable pianistic language and his ardent, multi-hued tapestry of harmony and melody. Ivan Gusev’s solo recital lasts just over an hour, with no intermission. $20 online tickets here; $25 at the door. All seating is unreserved – first come, first served! Doors open 1/2 hour before the start of the concert. No paper ticket necessary – simply give your name at the door.