Live at the Mariinsky

On his debut album, American-born George Li proves himself a versatile pianist with astonishing expressive depths. Recorded live in St Petersburg, the programme begins with fearless Haydn: crisp and punchy yet lyrical and light of touch. His sensitivity to the musical line carries over to Chopin’s Second Sonata, the third movement’s aria-like melody sung out with crystalline clarity. Even in Rachmaninoff’s Corelli Variations, Li’s finely sculpted articulation tempers its intense drama. This is supreme virtuosity worn lightly, with the Liszt Hungarian dance a staggering display of wit and energy.