Igor Levit review – boldness and brilliance

Wigmore Hall, London
In the second of his season-long survey of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, Levit’s playing highlighted the white-hot invention of the composer’s writing

The eight Wigmore Hall recitals that make up Igor Levit’s season-long survey of the the 32 Beethoven piano sonatas stretch from this autumn to next June. If the schedule appears stately, the playing is anything but. Where some pianists may approach the 32 in a reverent mood of homage, Levit’s playing constantly highlights the white-hot invention of Beethoven’s writing, the stylistic disruptions and innovations, and the extreme contrasts of dynamics.

Related: Igor Levit: the leaner, meaner piano machine

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