In this 2010 Verbier Festival program of works for piano by Bach, Chopin, and Schumann, Nicholas Angelich makes time stand still.

Known for his awe-inspiring interpretations of slow movements, Nicholas Angelich’s fingers seem never have played a harsh note. Yet the pianist is equally capable of energetic and witty playing. Angelich opens the recital with a contemplative Bach choral and a contrapuntally rigorous Bach Keyboard Suite, before soaring to the heights of Romanticism with the pure poetry of Chopin’s meditative Nocturnes and the crackling energy of a series of his Études.

Finally, his smooth, sweet sound and singular rhythmic energy, the pianist revels in Schumann’s strange and nervy Kreisleriana. Celebrated for his balance, restraint, and contemplation, Nicholas Angelich makes his recital into moment of rare and precious poetry.

Photo: © Nicolas Brodard