Cédric Pescia

In his first appearance in Salt Lake City since winning the gold medal at last year's Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition, Cedric Pescia proved once again that he is a great talent on the brink of becoming one of today's major figures on the international concert scene. Playing in recital Wednesday evening, the young Swiss pianist presented an impressive program of works by Domenico Scarlatti, Chopin, Debussy and Beethoven. Pescia opened his recital with three sonatas by Scarlatti. The two outer works (both in G major, K. 55 and K. 455) were nuanced, well-phrased and well-articulated. Pescia's crisp playing and clean lines added to the overall brilliance of these charming pieces. On the other hand, the middle of the three sonatas (in B minor, K. 87) was played with feeling and tenderness, giving attention to the expressive nature of the work. Pescia's interpretation beautifully underscored the poignancy and subtlety of character (…)

His playing (of Debussy) was infinitely expressive, and he managed to bring out the essence of each prelude with amazing clarity. In these preludes, Pescia exhibited remarkable interpretive prowess as he explored each of these fascinating pieces. And by presenting his listeners with a uniquely personal interpretation, he also offered them a fresh perspective that was welcome. The recital concluded with Beethoven's monumental and imposing Sonata in C minor, op. 111. The pianist attacked the first movement of the sonata with a ferocity that set the tone for the entire movement. His tempo was forceful and charged with electricity, enabling him to bring out the boldness of the music in dynamic, sweeping phrases. The long second movement allowed Pescia the chance to express himself to the fullest. He infused the theme with an inner peace that made the following variations all the more striking, as they presented different perspectives of it.

In Pescia's heartfelt reading, Beethoven has certainly found a worthy interpreter of his music.