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DMITRI DEMIASHKIN | mp3.com/Demiashkin |
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"In Dmitri Demiashkin the sterling values of the Russian school of pianism thrive undiminished. That may seem only a truism for any pianist as well trained in the system that produced the likes of Richter, Sofronitsky, and so many others. But in young Demiashkin's case, there is even more: a poetic sensibility wed to a transcendent technique, a free and unimpeded rhythm that allows his exceptionally rich musical imagination to take flight, and an often ethereal sound that is as transparent and diaphanous as it is exquisitely refined. Not surprisingly, given these extraordinary assets, Demiashkin brings Emil Gilels to mind in more ways than one. Tremendous talents come and go, but it is only the most musically elite among them who can be called stars. Demiashkin, whose demeanour on stage is no less compelling than his artistic prowess, is indeed a star, and one who, mark my word, will be viewed soon enough as one of the great discoveries of the new century."
JOHN BELL YOUNG
"I met Dmitri Demiashkin on Tuesday in Basel, as planned. Your enthusiastic praise about him now appears perhaps somewhat modest, now that I heard him in person. My host, Fred Luscher who has a diploma in piano from the Basel Conservatory of Music and later studied for years with Cziffra (his only pupil), was my witness. We met Dmitri at the train station and when we saw this thin young man appear, who looked like a "student", arrive with a briefcase, we both wondered for a moment if a misunderstanding existed and if there was not perhaps some mistake made. I invited him for lunch and we were both pleasantly surprised with his impeccable British style up-bringing (more Eton style than Moscow), charming if somewhat modest personality and superior intelligence.
We then drove to Fred's lavish home in the outskirts of Basel, and continued our interesting conversation. We then asked Dmitri if he would like to try out Fred's magnificent Steinway. He immediately obliged and started to play a Bach-Busoni Chorale, which sounded very lovely and musical.
"When Fred asked Dmitri what else he would like to play for us, he suggested the Prokofiev 3rd Sonata. Suddenly, there appeared a new dimension and both Dmitri and the piano came alive in an absolutely indescribable manner. I just about fell backwards in an armchair and I had a feeling of paralysis; I glanced at Fred in disbelief of what I was hearing and Fred appeared totally stunned as well. Quite simply, we were both speechless.
Where was this organ-like overwelming sound coming from? This was not only a demonstration of incredible virtuosity, but also astounding musicianship. Never in my entire life did I ever hear this Sonata played like this by any pianist. But there was more to come yet. Dmitri then played the Tschaikovsky-Pletnev "Nutcracker" which was also astounding, followed by Liszt's "Wilde Jagd" which was absolutely stunning.
If you had never heard him before, you would not understand, because the impression was quite beyond belief and almost impossible to describe. Fred was exactly of the same opinion, so it was not my imagination. You undoubtedly have an idea what I am attempting to describe! This is definitely A MAJOR TALENT, such as I have not heard since the "golden years" of great pianists. Thanks ever so much for giving me the opportunity to hear Dmitri - an experience of a lifetime!"
JACQUES LEISER, impresario; manager of Michelangeli, Berman, Collard, and Nikolayeva; longtime consultant to and record producer for Richter
NEW! SEE DMITRI DEMIASHKIN IN CONCERT ON VIDEO!
TCHAIKOVSKY-PLETNEV: NUTCRACKER SUITE
TCHAIKOVSKY: NUTCRACKER Download Low-Res
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