Charles Rosen - pianist
"In the Opus 101 Piano Sonata, the way Rosen slipped into the conversational style of the opening was magical and very touching, the dotted rhythms of the ‘alla marcia’ were defiantly marked and he discreetly raised the level of expectancy for the massive finale through the sustained mystery of the cadenza-like slow movement." Cadogan Hall, London, Classical Source 2011
“The consummate writer, critic, musicologist and pianist Charles Rosen has been at the forefront of his many fields for most of his 80 years. To a packed hall, he gave a programme that would tax the greatest performers half his age, in Beethoven's Appassionata sonata Op 57 and the Diabelli Variations Op 120. From the opening of Op 57, Rosen cast a spell of mystery and tension, of a vision understood. This set the pattern for the evening…. the great Bachian 31st variation melted hearts. A historic occasion.”
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, Independent February 2007
“The mighty span of the Diabellis was beautifully apparent, sustained by playing of forceful briskness and unblurred by undue lingering over detail. Not that brusqueness precluded affecting moments: the florid, slow, minor-key 31st variation had a meditative tenderness that I found heartstopping.””
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, The Sunday Times February 2007
“….his stature as a scholar-player shone through after the interval in a probing interpretation of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations….it was a performance that delved deep into the mysteries of the music….”
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, The Sunday Telegraph February 2007
“…with the Diabelli Variations Rosen’s brilliant sense of timing was revealed in a hundred ways….alongside the feeling for drama was a wonderful sensuous, coaxing engagement with the keyboard….if that’s being cerebral and intellectual, give me more.”
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, Daily Telegraph February 2007
“The Diabelli Variations has received numerous fine performances in London these past two decades and Rosen’s account – intellectual in the most engaging sese – can rank with the best.” Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, The Classical Source February 2007
“The Nocturne was beautifully translucent, and Rosen gave the Barcarolle an unaffected tenderness.” Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
The Guardian, February 2001
“..he still produced yesterday at the keyboard things of which lesser mortals can only dream...” RSAMD, Glasgow
Glasgow Herald, January 1998
“..Charles Rosen gave an unforgettable display of pianistic virtuosity: torrents of notes with effortless ease and inspirational musicality.”
Aldeburgh October Festival - Eye on Wednesday, October 1997
“…we heard a penetrating study of musical etymology and linguistics in which the logic and the purpose of every note, inflection and phrase became suddenly and wonderfully obvious. But this was not the dry explanation of academe. This was music-making fired by the passion of learning.” Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
The Times, October 1997
“The last three Beethoven Sonatas are something of a Rosen speciality, and the penultimate, Op 110 in A flat, offered him the chance to display his expressive range and depth of musical thought. A cool first movement was followed by a scherzo of daring and humour, while he gave the finale a real sense of its alternating sections...”
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London - The Daily Telegraph, October 1997
“...the veteran pianist Charles Rosen brought tremendous energy and mature strength to his interpretation of the complex solo role…”
Carter Piano Concerto/Hallé Orchestra – Oldham Evening Chronicle, March 1997
“…his grasp of the complexities was nothing short of astounding..”
Carter Piano Concerto/Hallé Orchestra – Manchester Evening News, March 1997