by Member of the audience

I can fully appreciate that anyone can have an off-day. And after playing the same concert in Brescia the night before both soloist and orchestra were very tired, and suffering from lack of sleep. I love the LSO to bits but on 24th they were certainly not on form. The wind were out of time and out of tune, the brass split many notes, and the first violins made a wrong entry a bar early (well not ALL of them, thankfully they did not all follow their leader!).

The second concert they were more rested and it showed. The orchestra performed a lot better, and Maxim look more relaxed and confident. When Maxim, Slava and LSO come together some sort of magic happens with everyone seemingly gaining some energy. power and inspiraiton from each other.

That said I have to say that his interpretation, though broadly the same as the CD of 11 years ago, is bolder. It shows the intensity and arrogance of this concerto to its full with some excruciatingly emotional passages, yet the overall impression was of something more serene and dreamlike than the CD. The long sustained bows were like silk, with impeccable tone. Also the judicious use of vibrato, sometimes broad and lush, sometimes narrow and tremulous, and sometimes none at all was outstanding. By the time the “Shosti” tour is over a bow rehair will be on the cards, both nights Maxim lost several strands in the Scherzo.

The Passacaglia stands out as the most moving thing I have heard in a long time. It has long been a firm favourite of mine, and I have felt like I have waited my lifetime to hear Maxim play this live. I was not disappointed, and I am sure as the tour continues he will get even more assured and confident in his delivery. I think we will get even better performances as the tour continues.