Search - Alexander Gavrylyuk: Piano Recital on DVD

An Enormous Talent

T. W. Didden | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 05/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the promo on awards, etc. one is left with a certain scepticism, which is quickly transformed into awe, and no "shucks" about it! This 22 year old is already a stellar talent. After the initial Haydn sonata, one of the more rare items (and for once not another recording of the big "E" Flat, wonderful as that is), which is played with care and spirit, the performance of the two books of the Brahms "Paganini" Variations is scorching in its fire-breathed virtuosity, but clean as a whistle, and each variation is fully characterized. Indeed, all the playing on this live, unretouched recording from two recitals in Miami in May 2005, is demonstration class playing, and not just glassy perfection. I think most of the pieces young Mr. Gavrylyuk plays here are as fine as you will hear anywhere. The Scriabin Fifth Sonata, the Prokofiev Sixth Sonata, and the Mendelssohn-Liszt-Horowitz "Wedding March" in particular, stand comparison with ANY predecessor. His interview at the end may not be particularly illuminating; his manner is earnest, his english quite good, but he finds it difficult to fully express what the music means to him. Never mind. With more life experience and music making, he is bound to have plenty to say later, but mean time, what he says musically is wonderful to experience. God grant him a long life and a career which does this kind of talent justice. Do not hesitate to make the experience yours,as well."

A solid "virtuosic technique" with musical possibilities --

Dr. Ervin Nieves | 06/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed Gayrylyuk's DVD. He is an excellent young pianist, who humbly expresses his love for piano and desire to play more repertoire and grow as a pianist in a very warm-hearted interview portion of the DVD. Many critics have lauded the young Gayrylyuk's technique, and I believe this praise, though partially due to the noteworthy piano skills of Garyryluk, is also primarily due to the program on the DVD itself -- which is a virtuosic technique-focused program: e.g. Prokofieve's Piano Sonata No. 7, which always excites listeners. At such a young age, Mr. Gayrylyuk is sure to mature into a greater musician and technician we will all enjoy. I look forward to following his continued development as a musician."