Chris Spector: [...] These are clearly ten new fingers to keep a close watch on. [...]

 

How about we turn our sights to a new, young pianist that has the young Carla Bruni look down at? An engaging piano player from Romania, Butcaru steps up with a stellar solo work-out on some daunting pieces. The Berg sonata almost sounds like something he hadn't finished composing but Butcaru brings an energy to it that makes it sound difficult to bring off. Her feel for Ravel and Schumann are right in the pocket and this nakedly alone work gives her ample chance to really strut her stuff and leave a first class impression. These are clearly ten new fingers to keep a close watch on.

Lennart Horst