DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Classical Music and Politics, including contributions from Béla Hartmann and James Ross.
Canadian pianist and composer Marc-André Hamelin was born in Montreal on 5 September 1961 and began to study piano at the age of five. He studied in Montreal with Yvonne Hubert and then in Philadelphia, USA with Harvey Weeden.
He has given recitals in many cities and appeared at many festivals. He records for Hyperion Records and has become known for giving attention to lesser-known composers including Charles-Valentin Alkan, Georgy Catoire, Leo Ornstein, Nikolai Roslavets and Kaikhosru Sorabji.
Hamelin's own compositions include a set of piano études in all the minor keys and a cycle of seven pieces, Con Intimissimo Sentimento.
Further information: marcandrehamelin.com
Spotlight. Fascinating and Powerful - Gerald Fenech highly recommends Marc-André Hamelin's recent Hyperion recording of Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata. '... inspirational performances overflowing with arresting pianism.'
Resounding Echoes by Robert McCarney - Hard Time
A Crack in Time? - A rare Leap Day editorial from Keith Bramich
CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'
Record Box. Playful Scope - Marc-André Hamelin's Chopin delights Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Magnificent Performance - More reviews from London's Wigmore Hall, from Bill Newman
Record box. Impetuous abandon - Ron Bierman is amazed by the playing of Marc-André Hamelin