The flow of Baghdassarian’s Prelude instantly changed the color and the air of Izumi Hall. The entire hall was devoured by Besalyan’s glorious touch and crystalline sound.
Besalyan brought early Spring to his audience with the tender melody of “Spring”, a piece by another Armenian composer Komitas.
“..the flower buds in yet cold and young spring unfold and bloom one by one.. beautiful flowers are everywhere.. the gentle breeze goes through..” Not only did I, but so did the audience truly feel such illusion.
Besalyan’s performance of the Rachmaninoff Sonata No.2 was technically authoritative and full of passion and expression. As soon as he started the piece, variety of sounds and colors began stirring in the hall. Besalyan’s sound was ringing, flowing and singing. There were beautiful moments of suspension and sweep, one could even hear sounds that were almost imaginary, non existent. Besalyan was not just playing the piano, he was creating wonderful art, and treated the piano with his love for the music.