On March 15, 2017, Richard Goode, known for his authority on the Beethoven Sonatas performed at Carnegie Hall. Little did I know that his Chopin would sound even better!

The subtle yet brilliantly executed Chopin and Bach was in itself a great experience. His phrasing, tone and the voicing in the Chopin was spectacular! The Barcarolle, in particular, is a very tonally and rhythmically static piece and hence it tends to get boring after some time. But the way he phrased it, each time bringing something new out and the delicate touch he used in the running passages was just mesmerizing.

There is so much beautiful music happening in this city. The piano and the acoustics of Carnegie Hall are simply incomparable. The last time I attended a Carnegie hall recital in 2012, Yefim Bronfman had performed. I only remember the encore. It was Chopin’s etude in F major Op 10/8. I have never heard anything better. His tonal control on the arpeggios was spectacular! Back then I had also attended Murray Perahia’s recital at the Alice Tully Hall. What a brilliant sound he had!

Unfortunately, Mr. Goode had a pre-decided guest list. So, I along with many others were unable to meet him after the concert.