Alexandre Tharaud's Musical Magic Fills Musikverein Hall

French pianist Alexandre Tharaud, a seasoned artist with a 40-year career and extensive discography, made his debut at Vienna's Musikverein. Despite being a superstar in some countries, he remains an insider tip in Austria, performing in a sparsely filled Brahms Hall.

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In some countries a superstar, here still an insider tip, despite an almost unbelievable 40-year career and a discography that any pianist would lick their fingers for.

Tharaud, known for his "musician's musician" approach and subtle expressiveness, presented a program that highlighted his affinity for "the small form." His performance of Mozart's Sonata KV 331 was noted for its calm, steady execution, with all expression conveyed through the keys rather than physical mannerisms. He navigated Rameau's works with lyricism and playfulness, leading into Debussy's preludes, which showcased stark contrasts, from sparse, Satie-like notes to brutal chords reminiscent of Rzewski. The transition from Debussy's "The Sunken Cathedral" to Poulenc's "Homage to Edith Piaf" was seamless.

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A 'musicians' musician' without much fanfare, but with an incredible feel for colors and especially the small form.

The concert's climax featured Tharaud's own arrangement of Dukas's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," described as a physical spectacle, followed by improvised encores. The use of the sustain pedal on the Yamaha piano was noted as occasionally jarring, but overall, Tharaud's performance was celebrated for its nuanced interpretation and masterful control.

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All expression goes into the keys, not into grimaces and contortions. That was Mozart in all his deceptive simplicity.