Intense inner conflict was alleviated one nice Sunday morning, while in Paris, by the opportunity to try the very promising newly revamped Pleyel Concert Grand. By playing it somehow I felt closer than ever to my most loyal companions: Ravel, Debussy or Chopin ... I can only imagine what Pichon would think of the instrument? Probably consider it all together beyond his physical resources – it seems that only occasionally he felt strong enough to play on it at all, rather than on the Érard, with its much lighter action. The heavenly music of Schubert (a new challenge to me) also sounded absolutely amazing given the immediacy, possible separation of registers and unbelievable depth of tones!

I very much look forward to using it in recital!