Chicago June 2006

by Debbie Jagal

I first discovered Maxim 3 years ago on our arts channel with his program called "Playing By Heart" I could not take my eyes off of the screen . I was in a trance .
So when he came to Chicago I purchased a ticket and went to see him, this was two years ago.
There were empty seats, but he played with such life. He played with a ferocity and a love he glowed and it was contagious. Near the end of the concert he played Ferdinand the Bull...and narrated the story as he played. So real. So informal. and yet so demonstrative of his gift.

This last concert Maxim played with a sensuality , his violin was a true extension of his whole being. As he played I began to feel a bit voyeuristic. I felt he was allowing me a glimpse inside his soul, his mind, himself if I was willing to let go and feel it. He dared the listener to really fall into his flowing notes and become part of the music with him. I had tears flowing down my cheeks without being aware. The feeling so light, so graceful.

The change of program did not matter to me, I was seeing Maxim play. There lies the answer. There are no expectations when attending a concert, perhaps anticipation, perhaps a preconceived notion of what should be. But art is not like this. Art is something no one can control, art is from within, it is a passion, it is a flowing of passions, emotions, and ideas that the artist unleashes. It is in this witnessing of the unleashing of the artist's soul that one actually sees when watching Maxim perform.

A rare and precious moment, to be in the presence of a true gifted artist and become a part of his energy. And for those who have this comprehension they are witnessing history to be.

Maxim emanates brilliance and magnificence in ALL ways.