Ayane Nakajima at Steinway Hall
‘Noble grace and celestial lyricism’
‘A performance of noble grace and clarity combined with emotional warmth and celestial lyricism. Bach Prelude and Fugue in F minor- the Prelude was flowing with natural agogics, embellished with passing notes and trills, a gentle rendering with beautiful colouring of parts. A brisk start to the fugue, dry and clear articulation contrasted to the more smoothly sustained prelude. Characterful voice leading and precise articulation together with a fast tempo created a driven character. Beethoven Sonata op 111- the gran scope of this monolith sonata was evident from the grand opening gestured by Ayane. Powerful virtuosic passages interchanged with atmospheric and well judged pauses and lyrical episodes. Rhythmic drive and clarity of the playing, once again, brought the character to the surface but more appropriately to the style, waves of emotional charge streamed through the playing. The Adagio was as beautifully paced, full of rich well-voiced sonorities with inner voices creating perfect harmony. Noble expression unveiled the rolling narrative passing through moments of perfect celestial stillness and contemplation and through moments of utter determination and emotional intensity. One felt that the sonata was too short in the hands of Ayane- so emotionally harmonious and balanced was her interpretation of this gigantic masterwork. Chopin Andante Spianato and Grand Brilliante Polonaise.’
Elena Vorotko C/O Artistic Director Keyboard Trust