Anatole Leikin

The pianist was eloquent, both speaking and playing, in a big recital.

Georgian-born Khatia Buniatishvili’s deeply felt musicality proves right for Liszt and Ravel, but is a bit off for a Chopin sonata.

A disappointing debut from pianist Dmitri Alexeev at the Steinway Society made for a long, and loud, evening.

The poetic and insightful pianist Vadym Kholodenko delights listeners in the South Bay with works by Nicolai Medtner, Chopin, and Brahms.

Pinnacles of the variation genre receive sublime, spirited, deeply felt performances by Emanuel Ax.

Refined musicianship and enviable technique are hallmarks of pianist Richard Goode, who plays historically linked late works by Beethoven.

Uneven playing, despite her brilliant pianistic gifts, marks Valentina Lisitsa’s latest CD.

The brilliance of Emanuel Ax’s playing at Stanford is somewhat dimmed by a lidless piano and distractions around the instrument.

David Fray’s account of Bach-in-a-minor-mode is puzzling, despite some deeply felt playing.

Knitting dissimilar piano works into a compelling recording is quite a feat, but pianist Rafal Blechacz is up to the challenge.