Wojciech Kocyan Plays Brilliantly

by

Josef Sekon

For quite some time, Dr. John Orlando, executive director of the Cabrillo College Distinguished Artists Concert & Lecture Series has successfully searched nationally and internationally for the very finest performing artists to bring to our community. I believe it may have begun some five years ago with the sensational Polish pianist Pawel Skrzypek, who started the solo piano artistic landslide. The parade of wonderful pianists continued with the fabulous Halida Dinova of Russia, Antonio Pompa-Baldi of Italy, our own Chetan Tierra and last Friday, October 6^th, yet another remarkable Polish pianist, Dr. Wojciech Kocyan gave credence to this artistic phenomenon.

Kocyan performed Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat major Op.7, Two Mazurkas, Op.62, by Karol Szymanowski and no less than seven works by Frederick Chopin — the Ballade in G-minor,  three Etudes from Opus 10 and 25, the Barcarolle, the Scherzo in B-flat minor, and as an encore, the well-known Polonaise in A-flat major Op. 53.

The Beethoven was intellectually prepared, uniquely and artistically realized with touches of impressive rubato and personal nuances that allowed perfect timing for one to hear and appreciate the themes and melodic ideas Beethoven had intended in this marvelous sonata. The second movement Largo con gran esspresione was quite romantic in nature and impressively performed. All of the technical challenges were negotiated with precision and musical depth. This was a superb musical experience complete with flare and class.

The two Mazurkas were far from what one might have expected. Composed in 1930, these two interesting gems were a splendid blend of perhaps Debussy, Messiaen and of course Szymanowski himself. Both works were refreshing and performed with artistry of the highest sort.

Next we heard the Chopin. Here Kocyan became even more at home with these incredibly beautiful works. Kocyan took a youthful approach to the melancholy, bittersweet intensity of the Etudes. He performed each of the luscious, beguiling themes with imagination and captured the character, mood and range Chopin intended with grand virtuosity. The agitated measures of the Scherzo were thoughtful, impressively controlled, well balanced, flawlessly performed and appropriately poetic and radiant. The slow sections were graceful, introspective and pure Chopin melancholia at its very best. This is an artist not to miss next time.

 In a special concert on Sunday, November 5^th at 2 pm, the incredible Russian pianist Halida Dinova will revisit Santa Cruz and perform the Complete 24 Preludes Op. 28 by Chopin in the home of John Orlando. Please call (831) 688-1518 for information and reservations.

 

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