Blog #76. From Yakutsk

15th of October became a big day for me. As I performed Second Concerto by Prokofiev in Yakutsk for the first time. And it was an absolute happiness!

First of all because this concert is unique, it is a king among piano concertos all around the world. Brilliant and deeply tragical in its heart music of phenomenal scale. There are premonitions of Revolution, dramatic and irreversible changes in it. First audience’s and critics’ opinions were divided, but even that time nobody doubted, that this music will live forever and become a part of world golden collection of piano concerts.

Secondly, for me it was a long way to this concert: I knew it very well, but never performed it. Valery Gergiev constantly asked me why, as he thinks that this concert should definitely be in my repertoire, judging by its scale and energy. And I always answered, that I know the music, but cannot get in contact with it. No connections, no love. And on 15th of October I found it at last during the concert in Yakutsk with Opera and Ballet Theatre Orchesta and a wonderful conductor Alevtina Ioffe! So everything was perfect. And I have a strong feeling that a great romance with this music begins. I am planning to perform this concert all over the world.