by Mike Telin

Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner (24, United States) kicked off the final session of Round 2 with a mesmerizing performance of Beethoven’s Sonata in c, Op. 111. Throughout the daunting work, Sanchez-Werner produced an unblemished sound that highlighted the work’s many dynamic contrasts and sudden shifts in mood. The opening theme of the second movement was beautiful. Moving seamlessly from one variation to the next, his playing was both intimate and full-bodied.

Sanchez-Werner concluded  his set with Chopin’s Etude in a, Op. 25, No. 11 (“Winter Wind”) Although his tempo erred on the safe side, his playing was technically precise. His sound was powerful but never overpowered the music. [Read more…]