Four Worlds

Here’s some astonishingly fine piano playing from Beijing-born pianist Moye Chen, a star on the rise. The titular four worlds he brings together are those of his native China, Russia via Rachmaninoff and Horowitz, Australia (Grainger), and the U.S., where all three composer/pianists eventually settled. The program is expertly compiled and the trio of Horowitz gems gives Chen ample opportunity to show off his fabulous technique. Grainger’s In Dahomey demonstrates a lightness of touch and sense of humor before Chen's more serious side shines through with a deeply impressive performance of Rachmaninoff’s great Second Piano Sonata. A thrilling debut.