Meet the Quarterfinalists: Zhora Sargsyan performs Rachmaninov

Today, we hear from Honens Quarterfinalist Zhora Sargsyan with a
performance of Rachmaninov's Étude-tableau Op. 39 No. 5.

Zhora poetically describes this piece as very dramatic and a
little bit Wagnerian: symphonic and polyphonic. He suggests
listening for the single melodic line pitted against the mass of
chords. The melody has to overcome the heaviness and insist on
its existence. In the end, Zhora says the drama resolves and
through the storm the spot of light can be seen, symbolizing hope
for survival.


Let's listen.

-


Watch the video edition of this excerpt here.