04-11-2017 Post does not mapped to Knowledge Tree skushino Seattle, WA Posts 93 Joined on 07-07-2004 Post #: 1 Post ID: 23132 Reply to: 23132 Khatia Buniatishvili This afternoon I was listening to a Rach 2/3 concerto performed by 20-something Georgian pianist Khatia Buniatishvili.  I wasn't familiar with the musician, and was simply interested in listening to some comfortable background music.  These are pieces I've listened to countless times, by different performers.  I tend to enjoy Eastern European performances in general, as well as vintage interpretations by heroic pianists of past generations more so than contemporary recordings.  Sadly, listening to those older recordings often means accepting poor sound quality.  One my favorites is an old Horowitz rendition.  I don't remember the vintage, perhaps 1950s.  His rendering is so explosively manic it's as if he's possessed or mad.  But the SQ is abysmal.  Back to Khatia, playing in the background.  Not familiar with her, I assumed that she too was from a past generation.  She isn't.  She is in her late 20s, and her playing reminded me of the power and ego I hear in the old great pianists.  Her interpretation is manic, explosive, quiet, fast, slow.  The phrase 'rubato' kept coming to mind.  Really captivating.  I loved her performance.  Critics seem to be polarized about her musicianship.  Well, I know which camp I fall into.  Bravo!