The concert was a joint effort by Budapest?s French Institute and Italian Institute. It was supported by the Palazzetto Bru Zane, a centre that promotes French romantic music.
Debussy?s Petite Suite was followed by Saint-Saëns? Piano Concerto No. 2, a technically challenging work rarely performed in Hungary but one which provided a fitting showcase for the talents of the Hungarian pianist Gergely Bogányi.
Bogányi was in his element in the first movement, which is especially demanding of the pianist. The second movement started playfully, but quickly turned wild, albeit complimented by the lovely sound of the cello. The last movement of the piece was played at a breakneck tempo that turned into a frenzy.
Bogányi easily overcame all obstacles presented by the piece, although some parts were perhaps a bit too hurried. Overall, the performance was an overwhelming one, but Bogányi showed his sensitivity as well as his virtuosity in an encore of Chopin.
Author: Éva Mikes
