Album insights
Rafal Blechacz, the reserved and somewhat introverted Polish pianist, made a remarkable return with a rare concert in Germany last November, offering a glimpse of his upcoming album with Deutsche Grammophon. Mixing pieces by Debussy and Szymanowski, along with Mozart and Bach, Blechacz showcased a blend that now shapes his new album program. Praised as a five-time Chopin Competition winner in 2005, the young Pole has been lauded with superlatives by critics, with the San Francisco Chronicle hailing him as a titan in the making. His music captivates with an unspoiled authenticity, as reflected in reviews from sources like Musik&Theater and the French DIAPASON. Despite his limited annual concert engagements to pursue interests like philosophy and ancient languages, Blechacz is set for four performances across Germany in April, all featuring his latest album repertoire. This exceptional series of concerts on the 16th in Hanover, 18th in Hamburg, 20th in Heidelberg, and 27th in Stuttgart draws parallels to bygone eras of grand piano virtuosos, offering a rare treat in today's concert scene. Witnessing the artistry of this young Polish musician, some may perceive him as a throwback to a different era, where each concert, not to mention his recordings, unfolds as a revelation.