Nikita Burzanista surprises and thrills at St Pancras Church, Euston
Astonished and amazed by the mastery of Nikita Burzantisa who I had heard two years ago. The transformation from a rebellious student in the class of Dmitri Alexeev to a pianist with not only a technical mastery but where this is placed at the service of a poetic fantasy of ravishing stylish beauty. It is combined with a devilish, menacing drive with a palette of colours and character that is exhilarating and inspirational.
‘Ondine’ wafted around this noble edifice, a stones throw from the hustle and bustle of Euston station. Transformed by this young artist into pastures with waters of crystal clarity where Ravel’s naughty water nymph could wallow with serenity and capricious wistfulness. We could almost see the gallows in ‘Le Gibet’ with the noose swinging in this desolate atmosphere where Nikita found the most spine chilling colours of counterpoints I had never been aware of before . The bell tolling in the distance with an insistence of masterly control . ‘Scarbo’ unleashed the devilish menace that was exhilarating as it was frightening . A mastery that was of fearless abandon but with impish gasps taking us by surprise at every corner . A masterly performance that left me overwhelmed and excited that this young man could have had so much talent concealed within him whilst he came to terms with life in a foreign city.
