Review from the London Recital for the Chopin Society on
24th March 2013 .

"Love in a cold climate" by Maureen Mckarkiel "

Stefan Ciric is a prodigiously talented pianist with a CV that boasts performances at some of the world's most prestigious venues. This recital at Westminster Cathedral Hall illustrates what all the fuss is about. He describes his choice of programme as a tribute to love, which certainly cheers the full capacity audience as we try to warm up from the freezing conditions outside.
Beginning with Brahms' sonata no 2 in F# minor, Ciric shows off the extent of his considerable talents wowing the audience with a fluidity and deftness of touch coupled with sensitivity and beautiful lyricism. Similarly, his interpretation of Chopin's Nocturne Op. 27 No.2 and 2 Etudes is ephemeral and light, robust and passionate.

The second part of the programme is where I feel the young musician really comes into his own. His rendition of Schumann's Kreisleriana is hauntingly beautiful. One of the composer's high points, it is very personal, representing as it does Schumann's many emotional states as affected by his depression.

The inclusion of the lesser known Spanish composer, Enrique Granados, hints at Ciric's influences. Los Requiebros or Compliments is a suite for piano influenced by the paintings of Goya. Granados translates flamenco rhythms to the keyboard and through Ciric's exquisite touch, the sweeping chords do indeed conjure the tones of Spain's most passionate music.