Denis Kozhukhin

Bartok Piano Concerto No. 2 / London Symphony cond. Sir Simon Rattle

“Kozhukhin’s calm and unassuming demeanour belied the powerful and uncompromising nature of this work, but quickly revealed an inner intensity and conviction. The Stravinskian outer movements were jagged and relentless, with punchy winds, brass and percussion all masterfully controlled by Rattle. Kozhukhin pounded aggressively through the rhythmic labyrinths, displaying the piano’s percussive elements exactly as the composer intended. But there was deftness too, particularly in the ‘night-music’ of the second movement, with Kozhukhin threading through the fog with delicacy and mystery before the bass drum rudely heralded a quite brilliant third movement.”  – Bachtrack

“Bartók’s Piano Concerto No 2, a slippery work with a remarkably relaxed soloist, Denis Kozhukhin, who tripped through a hair-raising part with no-fuss dexterity.“ – The Times

“…Denis Kozhukhin the fearless soloist” – Evening Standard

“[Denis Kozhukhin] dispatched the fiendish solo part with the air of a conquering hero.” – Financial Times