The last two decades have not been easy for Murray Perahia. Complications from the much-publicized cut to his right thumb, followed by surgery for a bone spur, have continued to haunt him, causing at least rounds of cancellations. But Perahia has reacted to his misfortune by embracing his challenges as opportunities for growth. He initially devoted his hiatus to deep study of the works of J.S. Bach, which produced one of the most profound interpretations of the Goldberg Variations ever recorded. At this Cal Performances recital, we will hear some Bach — the Partita No. 6 in E Minor, BWV 830 — along with music by the two other great classical Bs of the past, Beethoven (the “Pastoral” Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28) and Brahms (Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24). It’s hard to believe that, as of this writing, there are still tickets available. Do not delay. Perahia is one of the gifted greats of our age.
Jason Victor Serinus regularly reviews music and audio for Stereophile, SFCV, Classical Voice North America, AudioStream, American Record Guide, and other publications. The whistling voice of Woodstock in She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown, the longtime Oakland resident now resides in Port Townsend, Washington.