| Raphael Alexandre Lustchevsky’s piano recital at the Verbrugghen Hall at the Conservatorium of Music on the 10 September 2011 gave the audience the most wonderful musical experience. The program opened with several pieces composed by the legendary pianist Ignacy Paderewski, followed by Piano Sonata No.2 by Grazyna Bacewicz. I liked Raphael’s clear tone and gentle phrasing in Paderewski’s “Legend” and richness of harmonies, colour and mood in his Nocturne in B-flat major.
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My favourite Paderewski’s piece was the Paraphrase de Concert ” Cracovienne Fantastique”, inspired by the folk dance, the composition embodied the elegant yet playful Polish character, played by the pianist with great energy and expressiveness achieved with brilliant phasing and dynamic contrasts.
The Piano Sonata No 2 was composed by Grazyna Bacewicz in 1953.It is a modern composition filled with emotional tension in the first and second movement , contrasted by lighter final movement featuring another Polish dance rhythm, oberek. Rafael played the sonata very well, conveying the gloom, despair but also the hope and joy convincingly.
Australijskie tournee Rafała A. Łuszczewskiego - kolejne koncerty
These lesser known compositions were followed by Chopin’s 24 Preludes, absolute masterpieces, loved by pianists and audiences worldwide. Rafael played them superbly achieving wide range of tone and colour and displaying yet again excellent technique and musicality. I loved his rendition of Prelude no15, called “Raindrop” as I enjoyed the pearly sound of his F sharp “rain drops”, and Prelude No 23 for the effortless arabesques and refined pianism.
The most wonderful Polonaise in A-flat major Op 53 is an all time favourite. Rafael played it with great character, well controlled dynamic range, and in my opinion the music sounded both heroic and proud. The audience response was also very enthusiastic and gave Rafael well deserved ovation. It was a great concert!
I am sure Raphael’s next performances while touring Australia will be equally successful!
Love
Olivia (aged 13)
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