Pianist

Described by the Guardian as 'a top-ranking virtuoso', Volodos opens this performance with Schubert’s Sonata in A major D959, written during the last months of the composer’s life. He follows this with Robert Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze, whose theme is based on a mazurka by Clara Wieck – the composer whom he would eventually marry. Lastly, Volodos will perform his own arrangement of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No 13.

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Arcadi Volodos in Recital

Barbican Centre

The British press once described him as an "incomparable keyboard poet": Arcadi Volodos has been considered one of the world's finest pianists since his sensational New York debut in 1996. His repertoire encompasses the most important works of piano literature, from Beethoven to Prokofiev, but he also devotes himself to less frequently performed pieces by Mompou, Lecuona, and de Falla. Recitals by this piano giant are events that audiences eagerly anticipate.

Piano recital Arcadi Volodos

Blaibach Concert Hall

Soloist Concert Volodos

Great Festival House

Schubert, who died young, had no idea while composing this sonata that it would be his penultimate piano sonata. Yet the A major sonata stands out for its poetic – some say prescient – ​​otherness. The piano recital begins accordingly lyrically and sensitively. Schumann's impetuous and sensitive Davidsbündlertänze glide and leap across the keyboard in rich contrast, ultimately evolving into exuberant Lisztian virtuosity. The Russian pianist Arcadi Volodos presents his three-part recital in the Forum am Schlosspark, with which he recently thrilled the Salzburg Festival audience, with a consummate performance. "Volodos wouldn't be Volodos if Liszt's sinfully difficult musical text weren't too easy for him. He needs his own, even more difficult version," says BR-Klassik, describing the keyboardist. In addition to his technical brilliance, for which he has been celebrated since the early 1990s, he also knows how to sensitively bring out the romantic nuances.

Arcadi Volodos

Forum at the Castle Park

"There is steel in his playing, combined with a velvety tone and an exclusive relationship with his instrument." (Gramophone)

Pianist Arcadi Volodos, who has long withdrawn from the world's hustle and bustle, now offers only rare performances. His quest for poetry and the pursuit of an absolute musical ideal make his approach a metaphysical journey, elevating his art to great heights. For his return to Liège, the artist delves into the emotional wanderings of Schubert, a composer with whom he has had long-standing connections and whose music aligns with his musical aspirations.






Pianist

Arcadi Volodos

Events

Past events

Dec 12, 2025

Arcadi Volodos in Recital · Barbican Centre

Dec 8, 2025

Piano recital Arcadi Volodos · Konzerthaus Blaibach

Future and recently performed repertoire

Piano in Davidsbündlertänze by Schumann

Konzerthaus Blaibach

Piano in Piano Sonata in A major by Schubert

Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele

Piano in Piano Sonata No. 20 by Schubert

Barbican Centre

Piano in On the Day of All Souls by Schubert

Salzburger Festspiele

Piano in Piano Sonata in A major D 959 by Schubert

Konzerthaus Blaibach

Piano in Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13 in A minor by Liszt

Konzerthaus Blaibach

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