the Concert Reviews
"Hecht possesses a rich artistic spirit and highly developed technique…a velvety way with sonorities, seamless phrasing and expert pianistic skill." The Orchestra offered splendid support to Thomas Hecht’s commanding presence and keyboard heroics in Brahms’ First Piano Concerto. While dishing out big-boned playing in fearless octaves, chords and trills, Hecht also exuded tenderness and an aura of genuine vulnerability, no better displayed than in the slow movement. He caressed the piano rather than merely finegering it, laying bare the music’s sorrow filled, inner soul.” “The Mussorgsky retained all its freshness and sounded both magnificent and witty, representing a true virtuoso and, above all, a perfect performance from a pianist. His is already the concert event of the season here" “The presentation was most impressive. Here was a reading that took up an interpretive position at the emotional epicenter of the concerto. Hecht brought an extraordinary range of tone colors to his performance, so bringing freshness to familiar notes. It was a tour de force...” “It was a great pleasure to welcome pianist Thomas Hecht as soloist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra…he can come back any time if he promises to bring with him such technical command and stylish approach.” |
"His performance [of the Pictures] appealed to me just as much as the one from Richter’s 1958 Recital…Hecht demonstrated a superb sensitivity to the character of each piece...a delicately etched performance…Hecht’s big tone carried the composer’s message powerfully across.” VOTED IN THE TOP 10 PERFORMANCES “The majesty came in the second half with Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. The grandiloquent cadenza on the outset had a freedom which defined the rest of the performance. He did not merely interpret but lived Beethoven’s angst of deafness and despair, evidenced by the angry crashing chords, vehement octaves and paradoxically scintillating finger work…poetry reigned unabated before the life-affirming Rondo romp of the finale. Hecht’s intentions made for a riveting performance from start to end. Two solo encores, by Beethoven and Soler, sealed an enthralling journey from darkness to light.” “The artist performed with a firm technique and outstanding command of the instrument…his capabilities are balanced by an ease and breadth of musical expression.” Thomas Hecht is a musical force to be reckoned with, a powerful performer whose solo concert marked the end of an outstanding series. Hecht, the effervescent showman, delivered his all at the piano, bringing a community of music lovers together in appreciation for what beautiful sounds can do for our souls.” |