Internationally renowned pianist Murray Perahia returns to San Francisco to open the 2009–2010 season of the San Francisco Symphony’s Great Performers Series on October 11. It’s Perahia’s second performance in the Bay Area this year. His recital last March as part of Cal Performances was a success, and this recital promises to be another showcase of his signature style of elegance and lyricism.
Perahia is known for his intellectual approach, and his interpretations of Mozart and Chopin, and Schumann. This mostly Chopin program fits right into his standard mold; he’s not known for moving much out of the Romantic repertoire in his latest performances. Some might see this as a weakness in his programs; others as a grounds for rejoicing in the chance to hear beloved pieces played by a master.
A relatively new passion, though, is Bach, and the Bach Partita No. 6 in E minor may be the evening’s most intriguing performance. Perahia has just released his newest recording of Bach’s Partitas No. 1, 5, and 6. His masterful approach blends technical expertise with a more unusual, lyrical approach.
The recital is also a cause for rejoicing for those who’ve followed Perahia’s career. Since 1972, when he was the first North American to win the Leeds Piano Competition, he’s been in demand around the world. But in 1991, an infection in a cut on his hand sidelined him from performing for two years. Flareups in 2004 and again in 2007 had caused further layoffs and tour cancellations, and concerns that after 40 years of performing, the end was near.
Perahia’s healthy return to the concert hall in the last few years is a welcome event, whatever he plays.