Pletnev

Check out the tremolos at about 24 minutes in. I've never seen such a staggering example of simple finger movement from a well balanced arm.

I have to say that I was surprised at how impressive those tremolos were. It's a great example of efficiency and functionality of structure. Previous videos of Pletnev's that I've watched have usually left me really bored. His Hungarian Rhapsody 9 from the Tchaikovsky competition I found absolutely dire. Really mannered phrasing all over the place, no real sense of orchestration. But perhaps if I hadn't previously seen Kemal Gekic's performance from his Erlking DVD then I would have been more impressed with Pletnev. It does look like Pletnev has matured since then.

I don't like his playing at all. Strange sudden gestures and always the same boring sound.