Wiesbaden, Germany – Pianist Sumino, known for his popular YouTube channel, captivated a Wiesbaden audience at a concert held in the Thiersch Hall of the Kurhaus on November 17, 2023, demonstrating a compelling range from Baroque mastery to modern jazz influences. The performance showcased a unique program interweaving the works of Johann sebastian Bach, Philip Glass, and the late Nikolai Kapustin.
Initial Impressions and Minimalist exploration
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The evening began with Bach’s Italian Concerto BWV 971. Initial impressions suggested a technically proficient but somewhat reserved interpretation from Sumino, described as lacking nuanced differentiation and appearing overly smooth. However,the performance gained momentum with two “Études for Solo Piano” by American minimalist composer Philip Glass. Sumino successfully conveyed the gradual dynamic swells of the first étude and exhibited precise repetition techniques in the second, highlighting his growing command of the minimalist style.
bach reimagined Through Improvisation
A especially insightful moment arrived with Bach’s Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor BWV 903, a frequently performed piece. Sumino’s approach involved incorporating his own improvisational elements, creating a dialog between his interpretation and Bach’s original composition. This approach illuminated the imaginative depth inherent in Bach’s work, demonstrating a personal connection to the Baroque master.
Kapustin’s Jazz Legacy Brought to Life
The second half of the program featured a “real revelation” – Nikolai Kapustin’s Concert Études, Op. 40. Kapustin, a Russian-Ukrainian composer who passed away in 2020, blended classical technique with jazz harmonies. Sumino skillfully brought the jazz elements within these études to life, notably in the rhythmically engaging “Prelude.” He also adeptly navigated the contrasting moods of individual pieces, including a nocturne-like “rêverie,” a fast-paced toccatina, and a pastoral-inspired movement.
Interweaving Baroque and Modernity
Sumino interspersed Bach’s two-part inventions with kapustin’s études, notably performing the C major invention BWV 772 at a significantly slower tempo than typically heard. This deliberate pacing allowed for a deeper exploration of the piece’s structure. While the juxtaposition of Baroque and modern styles generally proved successful, moments of Kapustin’s virtuosic passages occasionally overshadowed the conceptual blend, shifting the focus from stylistic integration to sheer technical display.
Encore and Future Prospects
The concert concluded with encores featuring a delicate, Chopin-inspired improvisation and imaginative variations on the French folk song “Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman,” famously used by Mozart in his Variationen über “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman” KV 265. Sumino’s performance suggests promising future endeavors. Given his considerable online following,it is anticipated that he will readily attract audiences to larger venues like the Thiersch Hall,which has a seating capacity of approximately 450 people.
