May 20, 2019

“Opening with fierce determination, his interpretation of the Tchaikovsky Concerto surprises and reassures. Here, the cantabile predominates in the Allegro Moderato. It is elegant but fervent, animated by undeniable rhapsodic impulses which very nicely gives life to the subject. As the music becomes discursive, Luke takes care of differentiated climates and keeps all of the youthfulness.

Luke, with all his fierce temperament, however, also takes the time to tell a story. Extremely mature, Luke sculpts phrases more than he catapults them. This finesse of approach is fully reflected in the canzonetta, which is phrased from start to finish with undeniable nobility. The contrast is all the more striking with the deliberate firmness of the finale that is attacked vigorously while remaining subtly detailed. This delicacy of the line is skillfully matched with the lyrical freshness of the more expansive passages which bring dreamy transitions.

Finally, the virtuoso awakes his audience, but only at the end. This allows him to enthuse his audience at the end of a movement where he enthralls us after having charmed us.”

-Serge Martin

Read the rest here: (Link to Le Soir)