Alexander Kashpurin, winner of first prize at the 2026 International Franz Liszt Piano Competition, gave a concert at Beijing Concert Hall on Saturday.
The Russian pianist presented a program featuring two monumental works: Sergei Rachmaninoff's Etudes-Tableaux, Op 39, performed in full, and Franz Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor, a cornerstone of the Romantic piano repertoire. Both compositions, requiring exceptional technical command and emotional depth, provided an ideal platform for Kashpurin to demonstrate his artistry.
Founded in 1986 to mark the centenary of Liszt's death, the competition — widely known as Liszt Utrecht — has become one of the most influential platforms in the world of classical music.
Born in 1996, Kashpurin distinguished himself at the 2026 competition with his creativity, dramatic flair and intellectual approach to music. His Beijing performance further underscored his growing reputation as one of the most promising young pianists on the international stage.
In addition to his solo career, he is active in chamber music, conducting and teaching, bringing a multifaceted artistic perspective that lends added depth and distinction to his stage presence.
The first half of the concert, devoted to Rachmaninoff's Etudes-Tableaux, Op 39, set a compelling tone for the evening. These emotionally charged and complex works demand not only technical mastery but also a keen sensitivity to their shifting atmospheres. Kashpurin's ability to shape both sound and structure was striking, as the music unfolded with a steady sense of momentum, moving between moments of profound introspection and sudden surges of intensity.
The second half featured Liszt's monumental Piano Sonata in B minor, widely regarded as one of the most challenging works in the piano repertoire. Kashpurin's seamless transitions between tempos and dynamics brought out both the grandeur and the architectural coherence of the piece, while preserving its introspective core. In the more lyrical passages, the tension remained palpable, offering a rich contrast to the sonata's more dramatic episodes. This interplay of contrast and unity left a lasting impression, making for a truly memorable performance.
