Nowadays everybody knows YouTube as an enormous source of information. No matter what kind of video or just audio related documentation we need, everything can be found there….almost everything.
My regular use of YouTube is concentrated on the search of interesting and historical documents about pianists. A couple of days ago I found something really astonishing. Looking for a comparison between different interpretations of Prokofiev´s Seventh Piano Sonata Op. 83, I have been guided by some comments posted on videos of this piano work. So I discovered a completely unknown pianist, the Russian Vladimir Bakk.
His Prokofiev interpretation really captured my attention to further listening to other recordings.
One of the best examples of Bakk´s artistic expression doubtless comes through the Rachmaninoff´s Second Piano Sonata Op.36. His technical skills are full of transparency, absolutely serving the musical path of the work. His singing tone shows a deep understanding of the melodic line of the score, never played for itself, but always in the logical motivic thorough-composition.
He never neglects to open his soul to the highest purpose of making music with the heart.
Liszt´s Sixth Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 is another extraordinary performance of this great artist.
Never rushing with octaves, keeping a balanced harmony between a vibrant rhythm and a strong musical character of the piece, Bakk creates a fantastic painting, using different colors of sound and putting his entire charm into it.
Unfortunately, Vladimir Bakk is no more with us. He died 2007 at age 63. Quite sad that he didn´t get the proper recognition during his life. The few videos of his performances on YouTube pay tribute to this pianistic genius.
Vladimir Bakk should become an inspiration to all those pianists who want to reach everybody´s heart and soul through the music…
You are speaking about my husband, Vladimir Bakk.
Thank you. I agree with you. I had the fortune to be able to lie under our practice piano to listen. He was not from here. He told me that “I am from another opera”. I made a painting of this phrase. I have made several paintings of him and continue to do so. We were ONE APPLE, he said. Thank God someone cares.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you so much for posting your comment.
Your husband, Vladimir Bakk was really an incredible musician, a unique inspiration for all pianists.
I also believe he was not from this world…
I’ve never heard about Vladimir Bakk. I’ve met him the same way of Roberta. I’m captured by his incredible art…so wonderful, so colorfull. I asked myself why a so great artist was almost unknown.
I’m thanking you my dear for posting this charming, fun, happening Vladimir Bakk. Playfull boy wonder. He would appreciate your kindness and tell you himself. So, I’m doing it for him. Love, Brenda
I am very sad to know that vladimir bakk passed.. I an from uruguay where long time ago i think in 1970, he was the winner of the concurso ciudad de montevideo. He was fantastic. We always remember him as the best piano player ever hn my country.
My dear Olando Arcone. I have Maestro’s certificate from Montevideo; 1st Prize. Teatra Colon.
Also was recorded. I have.
I agree with all of you. Love……..
Dear Brenda, I didn’t notice about your reply in june
My last name is ACONE.
The only reason I exppel it to you, is because in the same Concurso de Piano Ciudad de Montevideo, my sister,
ALBA ACONE, was the third Prize and the better uruguayan piano player in that opportunity.
She always used to remark to all members of my family, how incredible was his technique and the expression, something that is no easy to found in one person. I I’m not a classical music fan, buy I like it very much as other kind of music too. I used to listen to my sister practicing hours and hours, and then in the concert, I began to enjoy very much the piano, because I kwnew every dettail listened previously with all that long training. Sometimes in Radio Babel here in Montevideo I can listen to Vladimir Bakk , and that his music is always a mayor pleasure for me. Great in every sense, and I think he was a very good person too.
God bless you and your husband.
Dear Brenda,
i just saw now that your husband passed away some years ago and I am very sorry about it.
As a child I had the pleasure and honor to meet him and hear him play in our home in jerusalem. some 12 years ago.I am presently 28 years old
My teacher that time,Sergey Dyachikov brought him to our home.
Unfortunately i have lost contact with Sergey and it is very important to me to reconnect. Do you know him and
would you by any chance know his whereabouts and have his address?
i much appreciate to receive your answer and thank you in advance.
Michal
I discovered this fantastic interpreter a few months ago. I think he’s fantastic. I listen to him over and over. He can be compared, no doubt, with other more famous interpreters.He puts his feelings, his passion in any execution. But there are lots of pianists completely unknown. It’s a pity!
I just discovered Vladimir Bakk tonight and am stunned. All hail his memory! I wish I had known about him earlier.