Young Pianists Play Big

(Photo left to right: Nattawat Luxsuwong (age 13), Gun Chaikittiwatana (age 17), and Chanakan Chaikittiwatana (age 17)). 

  Siam Society Auditorium.  Bangkok, Thailand.  August 16, 2014.  Economists classify Thailand as a middle income country.  However that may be, in the world of young pianists, Thailand is an advanced country.  Irrefutable proof of this was provided Saturday night by Chanakan Chaikittiwatana (age 17), Nattawat Luxsuwong (age 13) and Gun Chaikittiwatana (age 17), who presented a long and difficult program of some of the best known works in the piano literature.  All three recitalists had distinct musical personalities, but in common, they shared a surprisingly mature command of nuances that could easily escape much older performers.  They are not only immensely talented, but they are also accomplished.  Because they are so young, they naturally like to show their mettle with big works requiring blazing techniques, and this they did with assurance; they are fearless, but not reckless, and seemingly tossed off, with success, some of the greatest challenges of the piano repertory, and in the quieter parts of their programs, they showed a musical soul that is sure to expand over the years.