In a soft voice and in almost perfect French, Nikolaï Lugansky is keen to put things into perspective: the three recitals he is giving at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (1) this semester constitute a “almost complete” of the work for solo piano of his dear Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). «However, a few pieces will be missing but, who knows, I will probably play some of them as an encore.», announces the musician who passionately threw himself into «a huge adventure! »
At 50, the Russian artist has been seeing Rachmaninoff since he was young, but the wonder remains intact. «Like Chopin, Liszt or Albéniz, he created his own piano, inventing a style, a sound, a universe of his own. Whether in the repertoire for solo piano or in the pages with orchestra, including his very famous Concertos, in particular the 2nd and 3rd, which have become planetary tubes. »
Impressive and alluring
Endowed with a virtuosity capable of tackling the steepest peaks, Nikolaï Lugansky never departs from this princely, elegant and determined side, which impresses the listener before seducing him with his finesse and his lofty view. “In a room with clear and clean acoustics like the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, you have to arrive perfectly prepared. Impossible to slip in the slightest charlataneryhe laughs. Everything is understood! » Both the wide sensual outpourings still imbued with romanticism and the «structural genius that characterizes Rachmaninoff”supports his favorite performer.
“Like Liszt, his successes as a concert performer sometimes cast doubt on his qualities as a creator, adds the pianist. Fortunately, he is now recognized as a master of the first importance”. No more accusations of “Hollywood musician” brought against the one who went into exile in the New World after the 1917 revolution…
Ambassador of his compatriot who has known, oh so many, the storms of the history of the 20th century, Nikolai Lugansky remains discreet about the current political context. Based in Russia, this father of three teaches at the Moscow Conservatory but shines as a performer all over the world. With music as a message and respect for the public as a philosophy.