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Vassily Sapelnikoff plays Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor Op. 23 (2/4)

1,181 views · Published 9 November 2010 · 14:42 · Indexed 26 October 2026

Channel: gullivior · 2010 · Music

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I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso (part 2)

Stanley Chapple, Aeolian Orchestra
rec. 1926  


Vassily SAPELLNIKOFF (1868-1941)

Sapellnikoff was an intimate of Tchaikovsky and his preferred interpreter. Their association began in 1888 in Germany. Tchaikovsky wrote a " Diary of My Tour in 1888": 17 Jan. Hamburg: "At the second rehearsal I experienced a rare delight at the success which fell to the lot of our young compatriot Sapellnikoff. This young artist had been invited at the recommendation of Madame Sophie Menter (in whose class he had finished his course at the Conservatoire of St. Petersburg) to play, under my conductorship, my difficult Piano Concerto , No.1.

"On the eve of my departure from Petersburg I had occasion to hear Sapellnikoff's playing; and although I had been able to form some slight appreciation of its fine quality, yet- owing, perhaps, to the bustle and haste which preceeds a long journey- I did not at the time observe all the rare qualities possessed by this sympathetic young pianist. Now, at the rehearsal, as Sapellnikoff surmounted one after another the inconceivable difficulties of my concerto, and gradually revealed all the power and distinctiveness of his colossal gift, my enthusiasm increased, and, what was still more agreeable, it was shared by the whole orchestra, who applauded him warmly between each break, and particularly at the end. A rare force, beauty, and brilliancy of tone; inspired warmth of rendering; a wonderful power of self-restraint; finish of detail, musical sensibility, and complete self-confidence- these are the distinguishing characteristics of Sapellnikoff's playing. Famos, unglaublich, kolossal! were the expressions which escaped from the musicians as soon as they had finished their ovation. I need not say how I rejoiced at this genuine and hearty outburst of enthusiasm called forth from these German artists by our future great pianist. There are so many mediocre pianists; it is hard to distinguish oneself in this career; and to be able thus suddenly to astound and carry away a body of strange musicians is a thing to be proud of!"

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