Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition: Gold Medalist

These are actual performances that helped Jon Nakamatsu win the gold medal at the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The pianist's personality is the most obvious element, as it should be. His Brahms sonata is outstanding, meeting the extravagant technical demands head-on while making music at every moment--a fervent, youthful performance completely appropriate to the music. In the Chopin, another technical showpiece, Nakamatsu also keeps the focus on the poetry of the music. His Stravinsky and Bolcom, while neither of them is in a "difficult" style, show a decided affinity for the 20th century. By the end of the disc, we are glad that such a major prize has gone to such an admirable musician. --Leslie Gerber