“He Commands breadth, depth and thoughtful proportions” High praise for Brahms in Bamberg
Rave review for Bologna recital
The interpretation of Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, in fact, is rather far from any record reference. The eight fantasies interpreted by pianist, seem exiles fleeing on a raft; they leave the romantic island to return home, to Beethoven precisely. It is probably not the most orthodox of interpretations, but absolutely coherent in the formal and emotional […]
Variations on a name
Lately I have been asked, or even rebuked, for shortening my name, as some have felt that I’m abandoning something, or indeed giving in, in some way. “But Saleem Abboud Ashkar sounds so beautiful and special”, they protest. Alas though, it is time to reveal the trials and tribulations of living and working in the […]
Memory and Music
We are what we remember, and as individuals or societies we are in a constant struggle against the erosion of memories, against forgetting. Because it’s through our memories of life’s events big and small, and our subjective understanding of these events, that we define our personal and our collective sense of being and identity. From […]
Beethoven Sonata Cycle – Conclusion
Playing the complete Beethoven sonatas this season has been a beautiful, arduous and transformative journey. As with all journeys, though, this one must now come to an end. For the eighth and final recital I have chosen to play two monumental works of the middle and late period, Op. 57 “Appassionata” and the last Sonata […]
