Volodos, what happened to him?

[sevencircles]

I heard a rumour a while a ago that Volodos has become an alcoholic.

I think that it´s very sad if it´s true.

I think he is one of the most gifted pianists in the world and a true inspiration for me.

I have learned a lot about dynamics and pedal by just listening to him (I have never had a piano lesson in my life)

[le_poete_mourant]

It's always sad when a great pianist disappears.  If it is true it's unfortunate, reminds me a little bit of Pogolerich. 

He tried coming back to the stage at the Met a while ago, after going through a very difficult time personally, and everybody was disappointed.   He just wasn't the same man he used to be.  He took 41 minutes to play Beethoven's final sonata (well over the usual 26).  The man was actually booed.  And then took a huge intermission. 
(the times review):
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/28/arts/music/28pogo.html?ex=1319688000&en=3f30ee87525646b1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

It would be a shame to see Volodos go the same way.  His website apparently hasn't been updated in quite some time, so I couldn't find much news about him.  But these pianists have their odd ways about them. 

[invictious]

Sigh, ALL pianists become alcoholics.

That's why I considered being a pianist as a career, but I am bad with the piano.

[pianowolfi]

Sigh, ALL pianists become alcoholics.

That's why I considered being a pianist as a career, but I am bad with the piano.

Whuppppp Who's *hipps* alllohooollicc heah *hipps* lolol I am apianishhhht aniam nootatall alllohoollicc

[sevencircles]

If it is true it's unfortunate, reminds me a little bit of Pogolerich. 

Pogo has at least stated that he will return to the studio very soon.

Volodos hasn´t recorded anything new for ages it seems and I don´t think he has made any public comment about the reason for it.

[tompilk]

He has apparently recorded a new all-Liszt CD. I have no idea when it will be released though. I have been searching for info on him for the past year but yes, he's gone quiet. He performed Rach 3 in London (unfortunately i didnt go) about a year ago and never seen him do a concert since... I hope he comes back. His website is in desperate need of an update. The "Tour" section has not been updated for months...
Tom

[lau]

i hope he makes some new transcriptions

[franzliszt2]

haha I love mad people like pogolerich! I wish I was at that concert!

[pianowolfi]

haha I love mad people like pogolerich! I wish I was at that concert!

I still ask myself if he not just did a very unusual but founded interpretation. As said before there are two different opinions about the second mvt. of op. 111.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,5024.0.html

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,21463.0.html

I linked the whole threads.

Is it really just madness?

[sevencircles]

He has apparently recorded a new all-Liszt CD. I have no idea when it will be released though. I have been searching for info on him for the past year but yes, he's gone quiet. He performed Rach 3 in London (unfortunately i didnt go) about a year ago and never seen him do a concert since.

Really, do you know exactly what he recorded?

Did he get positive reviews  for his Rach 3?

[csy]

I really hope that Volodos will be coming out soon. He is definitely one of the most talented and exciting young pianists nowadays.
Look forward to his New Liszt Recording.

[Kassaa]

He will be playing Rach3 with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra the 4th and 5th of april.

[pianowolfi]

Seriously maybe Volodos is just someone who has learned to economise his forces.

[csy]

Or maybe he wanted to withdraw a few years to further develop as a complete artist just like what Pollini did long long time ago..... 

Seriously maybe Volodos is just someone who has learned to economise his forces.

[sevencircles]

Or maybe he wanted to withdraw a few years to further develop as a complete artist just like what Pollini did long long time ago..... 

Pollini anounced that to the public.

I don´t think Volodos has said anything to the media.

[elias89]

I went to his concert in Bonn (September 2006) and he was gorgeous.

He played Schubert (moments musicaux and the uncomoplete f minor sonata) and after that Liszt (some pieces from annees de pelerinag and  Funerailles). He gave 5 encores (Prélude by Liadov, 13th HR, "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen", 15th HR and finally the Marcello-Bach Adagio).

It was one of those concerts which you'll remember the rest of your life.

[sevencircles]

I went to his concert in Bonn (September 2006) and he was gorgeous.

He played Schubert (moments musicaux and the uncomoplete f minor sonata) and after that Liszt (some pieces from annees de pelerinag and  Funerailles). He gave 5 encores (Prélude by Liadov, 13th HR, "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen", 15th HR and finally the Marcello-Bach Adagio).

It was one of those concerts which you'll remember the rest of your life.

Sounds great.

You didn´t notice any changes in his playing style compared to the nineties?

[elias89]

Sounds great.

You didn´t notice any changes in his playing style compared to the nineties?

no change at all... It was the third time I heard him live and he was as fascinating as usual!

I remember that he once mentioned in an interview, that he would love red wine. Maybe this could be the reason for this silly alcoholic-rumour. I don't think that it is true.

[csy]

no change at all... It was the third time I heard him live and he was as fascinating as usual!

I remember that he once mentioned in an interview, that he would love red wine. Maybe this could be the reason for this silly alcoholic-rumour. I don't think that it is true.

I am so glad to hear that....
Hope he will record again soon~

[berrt]

I am so glad to hear that....
Hope he will record again soon~

There's a new cd, to come out 16th of february, "Volodos plays liszt":

1. No. 6 La vallée d'Obermann 
2. No. 2 Il penseroso 
3. No. 1 La prédication aux oiseaux 
4. Bagatelle sans tonalité
5. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13
6. No. 1 Sposalizio 
7. Prelude in F minor after Bach "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen"
8. No. 7 Les Funérailles 
9. La lugubre gondola (Trauergondel)
10. En rêve (Nocturne)

B.

[csy]

There's a new cd, to come out 16th of february, "Volodos plays liszt":

1. No. 6 La vallée d'Obermann 
2. No. 2 Il penseroso 
3. No. 1 La prédication aux oiseaux 
4. Bagatelle sans tonalité
5. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13
6. No. 1 Sposalizio 
7. Prelude in F minor after Bach "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen"
8. No. 7 Les Funérailles 
9. La lugubre gondola (Trauergondel)
10. En rêve (Nocturne)

B.

These works are definitely his strong FORTE.
Look forward to it....
Is it a Sony Recording?

[minor9th]

It looks like it will be available in Europe...

https://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/4409

[fiasco]

It's not that all pianist become alcoholics, but that all Russians do, ha ha.

Personally, I find that even a couple drinks effect my playing.  If I go out and have wine with dinner, I know I'll get no serious practicing done that night.

Wasn't Hoffman able to drink and still play through it?

[steinwaymodeld]

I heard a rumour a while a ago that Volodos has become an alcoholic.

I think that it´s very sad if it´s true.

I think he is one of the most gifted pianists in the world and a true inspiration for me.

I have learned a lot about dynamics and pedal by just listening to him (I have never had a piano lesson in my life)

I think Volodos started drinking as soon as he learns piano, it's a well known fact that he likes to get sauced. It isn't news.

Anyway, Pogoreclich actually DID come back, I was at one of his comeback concert in Chicago. yes, he did played the Beethoven Op.111 in 40 mins, but he played the first movement with regular speed. not half-speed as what it was inferrred before, the 2nd movemetn, he was just doing a very daring act and try to get teh audience to see thru this work the true essence of beethoven. (Not very sucessful as I can see)

but his technique was still flawless (considering his 3 TEs, Feux FOllet, WIld Jadg and TE10, also the islamey encore), the Feux Follet was played with such control that I have rarely heard among pianists. (i.e. layers, his pianissimo is top-notch, esp in Feux Follets)

so it's not true that Pogorelich can't play anymore, he quitted not because of substance abusal, it was simply because his wife (his teacher) passed away, and he took time to mourn her death.

[minor9th]

I just bought a copy of his new Liszt CD--haven't had time to listen to it completely, but so far it's great. All of his traits are on full display--enormous dynamic range, jaw-dropping speed (mainly in his own version of the 13th Hungarian Rhapsody), poetic phrasing, etc., all coupled with wonderful recorded sound (it's an SACD).

[m]

It's not that all pianist become alcoholics, but that all Russians do, ha ha.

Care to comment on this rediculous statement?

[Kassaa]

Care to comment on this rediculous statement?

Well to be honest there are a lot stories from and about the Russian teachers here

[mephisto]

The way I see it russian pianists are actually the best pianists. There are tons of great young russian pianists, and imo no of them play mechanicly or without musicality.

Volodos is definetly one of the greatest living pianists, especially in terms of touch, phrasing and sound-production.

[sevencircles]

Volodos is definetly one of the greatest living pianists, especially in terms of touch, phrasing and sound-production.

Agree, Hard to believe that he is so lazy that some people say.

[opus10no2]

There are simply more pianists in russia..larger population, and more of a tradition.

But on average, the country of a pianist's origin has no bearing on their talent, only on their style of development.

Russia and China having the foremost most disciplined schools of pianism.

And by the way, Lang Lang is at least as talented as Volodos, though they contrast beautifully.

Observe their performances of the Liszt-Horowitz HR2, Volodos being safe but strong and bold, and Lang Lang being all-out and exciting.

[sevencircles]

And by the way, Lang Lang is at least as talented as Volodos, though they contrast beautifully.

Lang Lang practised a lot more especially as a kid and still he is not in the same league as Volodos when it comes to being musical.

Yet at least!

[opus10no2]

I do not see how this can be true.

Musicality doesn't change, it's an innate trait.

The development and refinement of it makes it seem like it changes, but the raw talent is always the same.

Talent is actually potential.

[avetma]

Musicality can and should be learned. Technical ability is potential that should be developed.

[sevencircles]

Musicality doesn't change, it's an innate trait.

Many young pianists thinks that it is fun to play fast and loud and forget many musical aspects.

When they get older they understand that speed only makes sense if you play musical as well.

[opus10no2]

Many young pianists thinks that it is fun to play fast and loud and forget many musical aspects.

When they get older they understand that speed only makes sense if you play musical as well.

It only makes *musical* sense if they play musically.

A fast, loud, and musically uncreative performance still makes coherent sense.

[classical pianist]

I've seen Volodos in 2005 in Zurich and 2006 in Luzern, playing some Liszt recital.

It was Superb!! No sign of acoholic anyway.

Magnificent technique with incredible ease and very deep in musicality.

[sevencircles]

I've seen Volodos in 2005 in Zurich and 2006 in Luzern, playing some Liszt recital.

Did he play the same works as on the new album?

[m]

No sign of acoholic anyway.

Yeah, you know how it works here--one idiot says: "Volodos is an alcoholic" and immediately there is a whole bunch of others who know for sure that it is a well known fact that Volodos is an alcoholic

Why people would not mind their own busines, rather than spread rumours about who is an alcoholic and who is a gay.

[pianowolfi]

Yeah, you know how it works here--one idiot says: "Volodos is an alcoholic" and immediately there is a whole bunch of others who know for sure that it is a well known fact that Volodos is an alcoholic

Why people would not mind their own busines, rather than spread rumours about who is an alcoholic and who is a gay.

Yes right. Seconded.

[opus10no2]

Aww, but it's because it's fun to gossip and chittychatter