CALENDAR
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IAN HOBSON - Pianist "Breathtaking
Pianism" "Ian Hobson's pianism is brilliant." " ...the always remarkable Mr. Hobson supplied brilliance
in full measure." "...one of the finest pianists of his generation." "...a thrilling performance from Hobson, an artist superbly
in control of his instrument and of the great drama of this music
[Beethoven]." "Clearly, Hobson is a most communicative pianist." "...awe-inspiring piano virtuosity. ...a brilliant evening
of piano fireworks." "...never before have I listened to such a deep and artistically
perfect performance..." "...he revels in technical difficulties and loves to produce
astonishing effects that bring down the house." "Hobson brings power, precision and personality to the keyboard
that turns an old warhorse [Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto]
into a young filly, ready to kick up its heels." "Ian Hobson in Hobson's Choice [Arabesque recording 6639]
shows a finesse and virtuosity that rank him as one of the great
pianists of our time. ... He exhibits a clarity, naturalness, and
nobility suggestive of Gieseking and Rubinstein and a controlled
technique, temperament, and tone reminiscent of Lhévinne." "...he is an intelligent, cultivated pianist and a fine musician
who doesn't rely on gimmickry to make his points. His technical
resources are imposing and always at the service of the music. ...
Everything is beautifully played, and the sound is warm and resonant." "The [Rachmaninoff] Preludes reveal Hobson as a majestic master;
he imbues these tone poems with variety and textural clarity. Throughout
he welds his gargantuan technique, bronze tone, and elegant phrasing
with consummate taste, producing performances of world-class stature." "Hobson is too fine a musician to simply dazzle us with dexterous
finger work... There was great musical coherence..." "Ian Hobson's return to Orchestra Hall Sunday afternoon was
a welcome event. The young British-born pianist...has been making
a name for himself..." "His virtuosity and vitality...are expected, but there is
also true sentiment and expression, and no glibness; a lightness
of touch that would have pleased Haydn, and careful attention to
minor yet important details many pianists ignore: appropriate pedaling
and suitable ornamentation."
IAN HOBSON - Conductor and Pianist/Conductor "...Hobson's performances, shrewdly-paced and full of telling
details, are about all one could ask for..." "Hobson, accustomed to being a piano soloist with all the
great orchestras, is as conductor a natural-born phenomenon." "Charm-filled Matinee in the Opera House: A Mozart to Love
- Together with an Escapade" "The renowned Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra...was led by Ian
Hobson, a young English director, who brought temperament into it
and ...as a pianist...also kept a clever eye on the soloists..." "Hobson does a superb job in his dual role [as conductor and
pianist]. His pianistic prowess is well known, and he provides a
firm yet exuberant style for these pieces." "Ian Hobson...became a triple threat musician...when he conducted
the Camerata in works of Bartok, Prokofiev and Dvorak. ...Hobson's
sympathetic study of the music and his obvious ability to transmit
feelings and objectives to his players resulted in a splendid performance.
...a knowing conductor..." "The Beethoven Symphony was fantastic. ...Conductor and ensemble
moved as figure skaters through presto pressure [in the finale].
The house loved it and offered resounding applause. ...This leader
impressed players, audience and administrators alike with his remarkable
rapport, restrained style and quest for precision and excellence." "Hobson again reminds us that discretion is sometimes the
better part of valour - not least through his greater willingness
to listen to the orchestra."
IAN HOBSON - Educator "Piano
Masterclasess"
IAN HOBSON - Concert Reviews "From strumming their instruments like banjos to wispy harmonics,
frenzied scales and sonorous passages, the nearly 20 players inhabited
many moods in 10 short movements." "To Chopin he brings experience and authority: He is one of
the few pianists who have dared to play the complete Chopin live."
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