For those of an eclectic bent, pianist Ivan Ilić’s Friday recital at San Francisco’s Old First proved a delight. The program was an adventure in learning as well as a brilliant display of technical prowess, all free of clichés.
Ilić was technically flawless, offering lots of color plus an uncommon sensitivity to Debussy’s expressive little tone paintings.
In the 44th of the Studies, Godowsky manages Chopin’s “Aeolian Harp” étude using only the left hand, and without loss of the sense or harmony of the original, while also sustaining the whirligig of Chopin’s notes.
I must say that Ilić’s performance left me agape. He just tossed off Godowsky’s keyboard torture chamber, and this in a piece most pianists find difficult enough with two hands.
"— San Francisco Classical Voice
February 13th 2009
