Jeremy Denk
Review: Grand Tourists, BSO, Lighthouse, Poole
By Andy Martin
It may have been my imagination but it seemed as though Jeremy Denk received something a little extra special after his performance of Mendelssohn’s wonderful Piano Concerto Number 1.
One of America’s foremost pianists, Mr Denk was dazzling at the Steinway, his magical fingers a total blur and his reward was much cheering, whooping and foot-stomping from a most appreciative audience.
There was a delightful surprise as the jaunty and joyful fourth movement was played twice, the second time as the encore.
Jaunty might also be used to describe the artist himself as he fairly danced on and off the stage to receive the plaudits and a hug from chief conductor, Kirill Karabits.
The soothing evening also featured Haydn’s Symphony No. 102 and Schubert’s intimate, concise and engaging Symphony No.5, a jewel of a piece with echoes of Mozart.