A TOUCH OF AUTHENTICITY

A recital by Karolina Marchlewska,
reviewed by TAU WEY

Blüthner Piano Centre, which holds regular concerts in its magnificent London showrooms, hosted a recital by the young Polish pianist Karolina Marchlewska on Thursday 1 June 2006.

In this pleasant venue, surrounded by an array of fine pianos and an equally impressive collection of modern art, the audience of piano-lovers and musical connoisseurs were clearly anticipating an outstanding recital by the prize-winning pianist, playing music by composers of her native Poland.

Karolina was introduced to the audience by Mrs Eugenie Maxwell, a consultant to Blüthner Pianos and sponsor of this evening's recital, which was awarded to Karolina for winning First Prize in the 10th International Piano Festival 'Music in Flowers' (founder and artistic director: Anna Maria Stanczyk) in Warsaw-Powsin, Poland.

A captivatingly nuanced sound drew the audience into the beginning of Chopin's famous and well-loved Barcarolle. Karolina displayed a natural affinity with the language of Chopin's highly embellished melodies, always commanding the instrument with a reassuring ease. The dreamy quality that she conveyed in this interpretation was perhaps its most moving aspect, her touch and tone recalling descriptions of Chopin's own gentle art of piano-playing.

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