Prokofiev’s 3r Piano Concerto is no walk in the park. It is not one of those studied, contemplative pieces that can be learned. As a matter of fact: it can not be learned, it must be breathed, danced, tip-toed and then exploded through. It rushes forward ever faster, and when you thought it could not get any more intense, it bursts into new colors and contrasts. It is both mentally and emotionally taxing on a performer. It requires physical stamina and mental will power. In summary, it is one of those pieces that requires character and personality on top of pianistic brilliance.
Vladislav Kosminov knew the risks when stepping on stage at ASU’s Gammage Hall February 20th 2022. The performance was part of ASU Orchestra Season. Mr. Kosminov has been working under famed piano instructor Dr. Baruch Meir at ASU and has proven in past performances that he has the temperament it takes to take on such a difficult piece. He has a long list of accomplished performances and winning stage appearances.
The additional hurdle was also the beautifully designed but acoustically challenged acoustics of the Gammage Concert Hall. The sound properties of the hall do not favor piano performances. The standard concert grands could never overcome the acoustic hurdle of the hall resulting in less enjoyable performances. This time ASU and SOUTHWEST Pianos teamed up and provided the best concert grand piano available today: a FAZIOLI 278.
Mr. Kosminov cheerfully opened up the performance and right from the beginning it was apparent that his technical and pianistic preparation was more than adequate. The FAZIOLI 278 played to Mr. Kosminov’s precise fingering and careful pianistic enunciation. However, one could not evade the impression that Mr. Kosminov was carefully exploring the limits of his co-performer in the first movement, not quite sure if he could “push down on the accelerator” without losing control, probing its limits. But there were no limits and once Kosminov realized that he was on solid ground and the FAZIOLI would not break or cave, he went all out. Mr. Kosminov’s ability to build the arch from the delicate passages to the fulminant explosions and bring it back again to the lyrical gentleness of the emotional roller coaster of Prokofiev’s Concerto was stunning. Mr. Kosminov himself, usually controlled and cool, erupted in passionate expression - a feature that this piece requires.
The FAZIOLI 278 brought an incredible level of clarity and power to the Gammage Hall. The voice of the instrument was at the forefront with every note able to come through and hit its mark. Several audience members commented afterwards that this was the best piano performance that they had ever experienced at Gammage Hall.
Southwest Pianos was very glad to sponsor Arizona State University’s Orchestra performance. The piano department has become the jewel of the West Coast when it comes to piano performance. Under Prof. Dr. Baruch Meir’s leadership the school has evolved into the leading institution for piano performance on the West Coast hosting the Boesendorfer-Yamaha Piano Competition and bringing forward and graduating some of the most impactful young pianists. We are proud to have the largest selection of Certified Pre-Owned Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway Pianos. We offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all products & are an Official Factory Center. Authorized Factory Outlet for European piano brands and others: Petrof, FAZIOLI, Hailun, and Casio. Keep a look out for our Used Piano Sale in AZ.
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The piano, a majestic instrument with over 200 years of history, comes in various shapes and sizes to fit the needs of different musicians and spaces. From the grand stage to the cozy living room, there’s a piano for every setting.
