A Lithuanian Tackles the Russians

Goethe Institut.  Bangkok, Thailand.  April 1, 2012.  Lithuanian-born, Moscow-trained pianist, Artas Balakauskas, performed a program consisting of two works:  Scriabin’s 24 Preludes and Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 8.  This would be considered an adventurous program on any recital stage in the world.  Balakauskas, a Bangkok resident, noted local piano teacher and occasional performer, provided me with my first live performances of these works, which I’ve had on CDs for many years, (the Scriabin by Pletnev and the Prokofiev by Richter).  He has my thanks.