Classical Music in Poland and the Europe of Chopin - From the Reviewer's Notebook

Leeds Town Hall where the Finals take place tonight (14 September) and tomorrow night (15th September) I have not had the time to follow this competition in detail unfortunately except on the internet which is not ideal but I have certainly watched the results with the greatest interest. Australians should take note that the fine Australian pianist Jayson Gillham reached the Finals and is playing this evening. He was also highly regarded in the 2010 Chopin International Competition in Warsaw.  He really is achieving extraordinary things. Competition Website: http://www.leedspiano.com/competition/Competition.aspx?MID=292 Friday 14th September Louis Schwizgebel, Beethoven: Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58 Jiayan Sun, Prokofiev: Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16 INTERVAL Jayson Gillham, Beethoven: Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 Saturday 15th September Andrejs Osokins, Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26 Federico Colli, Beethoven: Concerto N

SACD  MAR0530   www.mariinskylabel.com It was one of those wonderful Warsaw September evenings. May, September and if we are fortunate a golden October are really the most beautiful months in Poland - balmy still and sun-kissed, autumn just brushing the trees with gold, the softest of air as the day draws to a close. Zosia had prepared  a kurki (chanterelle) dish with potatoes, onion and boczek (bacon). We sat on the terrace overlooking the lake and watched the gliders drifting in the blue above Bemowo among high feathery clouds sipping an excellent claret as dusk settled over the land. At the conclusion of the meal and the mint chocolate ice-cream, I had a black Sumatran coffee, a balloon of armagnac and a  Cuban cigar. It was only then, properly prepared and after I had lit the storm lantern, that I put on the recording above. I am speechless with admiration. I will only say this about Trifonov - buy this recording as soon as you are able. Anyone who reads my blog