Zimerman himself developed the technology that makes his piano's transportation possible. This unusual practice of bringing his own piano on tour allows the pianist to concentrate solely on his music, as it eliminates his need to adjust to unfamiliar instruments.
And what incredible music. The New York Times calls Zimerman, largely acknowledged to be one of the most impressive performers on the scene today, "a master of subtle dynamics and prismatic shading... always thoroughly absorbing."
Tonight's performance in Spaulding Auditorium promises to be no exception.
It was announced recently that Zimerman, who is notorious for revealing his concert programs at the last minute, had selected for his Hopkins Center debut two of Beethoven's most popular sonatas -- the "Pathetique" and the "Waldstein" -- as well as two pieces of Chopin, for whose interpretations he is perhaps best known.
Since his emergence on the classical music scene in 1975 when he won the prestigious Warsaw International Frederick Chopin Piano competition, Zimerman has been performing internationally for more than three decades. He has only improved with age, his sheer visceral technique now supplemented with thoughtful intellectual interpretation. One reviewer called the effect of Zimerman's New York recital of the "Pathetique" and "Waldstein" sonatas "magical. In both Mr. Zimerman magnified dynamic and tempo gradations, pushing distinctions toward their extremes but stopping short of exaggeration."
Born in 1956, Zimerman started playing at age five, and at seven began studying with Andre Jasinski with whom he remained until his training was completed. He has since collaborated with conductors Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, Riccardo Muti, Pierre Boulez and Bernard Haitink. His pianistic influences include Claudio Arrau, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Arthur Rubinstein and Sviatoslav Richter. All 22 of Zimerman's albums have been released by Deutsche Grammophon, and his recordings have achieved widespread acclaim.
What distinguishes Zimerman, however, is his touch -- so subtle the key doesn't even know it's been struck. Tonight's audience should fully anticipate the transcendence that makes him one of today's most eloquent pianists.
Zimerman will play tonight at 7 p.m. in Spaulding Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for Dartmouth Students.
