“Modern Bechstein instruments offer pianists the pleasure of an extremely colorful voice. These pianos respond to even the most ambitious demands. You sense that today’s piano-makers feel responsible for the legendary brand they have been entrusted with.”
Mikhail Mordvinov
Mikhail Mordvinov born 1977 in Moscow, is one of the most respected Russian pianists of his generation. At age 6 Mikhail Mordvinov began taking music lessons at a local arts centre, but several months later he was admitted to the Gnessin School of Music, where he studied for more than ten years with Tatiana Zelikman. After graduating in 1994, he continued studies at the Gnessin Academy of Music under Vladimir Tropp, finishing in 1999 with the highest honours. From 1999 to 2003 he lived in Hanover, Germany, pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Music and Drama under Bernd Goetzke.In 2000, Mordvinov became a soloist at the Moscow State Academy Philharmonic, and in 2004 he became an assistant professor at the Gnessin Academy of Music. He has also been awarded a number of scholarships, including the President of Russia Award (1996-98), the G. Neuhaus Award by the Rostropovich Fund (1997), and the German Academic Exchange Service Award (2000-01). He began performing at an early age, with appearances in Moscow and nearby cities. Two first prizes, at the 12th Schumann Competition in Zwickau (1996) and the 6th Schubert Competition in Dortmund (1997) and the first prize and special award of the XII. International Competition in Andorra (2006) propelled him onto the international stage and the opportunity to record. He currently makes about 50 appearances a year in recitals, orchestral concerts and chamber music, mostly in Europe.
“Ever since my childhood, the Bechstein brand has been synonymous with pianos made for true musicians. In Moscow, I’ve often seen old Bechsteins at friends’ or piano teachers’ houses and sometimes in music academies. The grand that once belonged to Alexander Scriabin and still stands in the composer’s apartment, which is now a museum, particularly impressed me during the performances I gave on it. The modern Bechstein baby grands and large concert grand pianos give you the pleasure of an extremely colorful voice. Their sound always remains soft and harmonious, even in fortissimo passages, and they excel at rendering even the subtlest of nuances. Moreover, their action is particularly pleasant and responds to even the most ambitious of demands. You sense that today’s piano-makers feel responsible for the legendary brand they have been entrusted with. It’s always a pleasure for me to find a Bechstein on stage when I have to give a performance. And I’m very grateful to have had a C. Bechstein D 282 concert grand at my disposal when I recorded my CD at Britz Manor in Berlin in the autumn of 2013.”
Photos © Thomas Peter, Gregor Willmes
