Grigory Sokolov

Grigory Sokolov is a Russian pianist celebrated for performances of classical and Romantic piano music. He is known for avoiding studio recordings and building his reputation through live concerts.

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Johann Sebastian Bach: A German composer and keyboard player whose works shaped Baroque music. Sokolov’s performances of Bach include the partitas and keyboard concertos.
Piano interpretation: The practice of shaping a piano work through choices of phrasing, tempo, dynamics, and tone. Sokolov’s reputation rests on the individuality of his interpretations.
Leningrad Conservatory: A major Russian music institution, now known as the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. Sokolov studied there with pianist and teacher Leah Zelikhman.
Murray Perahia: An American concert pianist known for recordings and performances of classical piano repertoire. Perahia’s extensive recording career contrasts with Sokolov’s emphasis on live performance.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: An Austrian composer whose piano sonatas and concertos are central to the classical repertoire. Mozart is a central composer in Sokolov’s concert programs and recordings.
Piano technique: The physical skills and movement strategies used to play the piano. His command of touch and control supports the clarity and range of his performances.
Leah Zelikhman: A Russian piano teacher who taught Grigory Sokolov at the Leningrad Conservatory. Her teaching shaped Sokolov’s early musical education.
Lang Lang: A Chinese concert pianist known for high-profile performances and broad public visibility. Lang Lang’s media presence contrasts with Sokolov’s comparatively private public profile.
Ludwig van Beethoven: A German composer whose music bridged the Classical and Romantic eras. Sokolov’s Beethoven interpretations include the late piano sonatas.
Musical phrasing: The shaping of musical notes into expressive units, comparable to sentences in speech. Sokolov’s long-range phrasing helps give large works a coherent dramatic arc.