03.2006 Janis Abele
Laiks! Kas ir laiks? Laiks, tas ir
bezgaliiba, tas ir tuvu, tas ir taalu. Laiks
skrien, laiks staav. Laiks rada prieku, skumjas,
laiks meklee, laiks atrod. Laiks stabilizee,
nostiprina, laiks arii grauj un posta. Laiks
atbild uz daudziem jautaajumiem, laiks atstaaj
muus nezinjaa, nesaprashanaa.Laiks aarstee,
laiks saglabaa. Laiks saglabaa cilveeka
paveikto,laiks to arii izniicina. Laiks saglabaa
Lielu Cilveeku radoshaas veertiibas, laiks shiis
veertiibas ar lielaako prieku un labpatiku , jau
daudz nopietnaakaa un izteiksmiigaakaa veidolaa
pasniedz paareejiem cilveekiem, radot tiem
prieku, baudu, gariigo liidzsvaru. Mees varam
tikai nonjemt cepures sho Lielo Cilveeku
priekshaa, kuri atnaak kaa komeetas, noshokee
parastos cilveecinjus un aiziet turpinaat veel
augstaakaa pakaapee.
Toreiz, tajos senajos Daces Maskavas studiju
laikos, kad miiljaa meitinja aizbrauca uz
sveshatni turpinaat lielo muuzikas studeeshanu,
atnaaca veests, ka Dacei uzradies draugs.
Protams, teevam liela ruupe, kaads nu buus shis
jaunais cilveeks. Un tad pienaaca diena, kad
kravaaju savu somu un pirmo reizi braucu uz
Maskavu. Kas gan mani tur sagaida? Stacijaa Dace
jau priekshaa, ejam pa ielu, prasu - kur Aljosha?
Kaut kaadaas dariishanaas, bet buushot. Taa ejam,
ejam , runaajam, te pieskrien kaads sprigans,
jauns cilveeks - sveiki, sveiki, esmu Aljosha!
Man mute valjaa, visa ieprieksh sagatavotaa runa
izkuup gaisaa. Viss notiek kaa pasakaa - atnaaca
, ieraudziija un uzvareeja!
Naakoshais paarsteigums bija skolas beigshanas
klavieru eksaamenaa. Seezham, klausaamies kaa
speelee skolas beidzeeji, te uznaak Aljosha un
visu paareejo speele atvirzaas malaa, vinjsh
nospiid kaa spozha zvaigzne, visus satriecot ar
savu meistariibu.
Tad
sekoja 1995. gada 23. decembrii jauks
uzaicinaajums uz Milaanu - La Skalaa speelees
Aljosha !!! Priekshsveetku noskanjojums,
Milaanas skaistums, un tad koncerta diena !
Teatris paarpildiits, jauka sveetku atmosfeera.
Saakaas ! Pirmajaa daljaa speeleeja franchu
pianists Philips Giusiano. Paartraukums. Saakas
otraa dalja - raitaa solii uz skatuves uznaak
Aljosha, apseezhas un saak speeleet. Kas tad tas?
Jautaaju savam Bebiisham, vai tieshaam
starpbriidii nomainiitas klavieres? Nee , esot
taas pashas uz kuraam speeleeja ieprieksheejais
maakslinieks. Izraadaas, ka vainiigs tas pats
Aljosha - pavisam cita skanja, cits piesitiens,
citas emocijas - juuties kaa citaa pasualee,
paarnjem neaprakstaamas sajuutas ! Peec savas
spozhaas uzstaashanaas,lielais maakslinieks
paargjeerbjas un atkal ir tas pats vienkaarshais
jaunais cilveeks, kaadu satiku pirmo reizi
ierodoties Maskavaa.
Un
tad pienaaca 1996. gada 18. augusts, diena, kad
Aljosha pirmo reizi ieradaas Riigaa. Sirsniiga
sagaidiishana, kas izveershas lielos sveetkos,
jautriiba sit augstu vilni - anekdotes,
pastaasti, izdariibas ! Un tad slavenais
brauciens uz "Skujinjaam". Aljosham par godu
izbruuveets maajas alus, izkurinaata pirts,
sabraukushi cieminji. Iebrauc mikrinjsh, no taa,
apkraavies pakaam, pacinjaam, kasteem,
kastiiteem, izkaapj Aljosha. Viesiibu dveesele,
kaa vienmeer, Aljosha ar savu aspraatiibu,
aizrautiibu, lielisko humoru ! Vakars saulains,
silts un reti jauks. Nolemjam doties ekskursijaa
pa Daugmali, aizbraucam uz Daugmales pilskalnu -
fantastisks skats, saule riet maakonjos, tuvojas
kreesla. Kaads lielisks dabas baudiijums !
Braucam taalaak uz Daugavas krastu, no kura labi
redzamas pirmaas muura bazniicas drupas Latvijaa.
Aljoshu paarnjem doma izpeetiit shos muurus
tuvaak un vinjsh metas uudenii. Attaalums liels
- kaadi 700 metri, bet tas Aljosham liekas
tiirais nieks, vinjsh un Kaspars paarliecinoshi
peld paari. Tikushi otraa krastaa, abi prieciigi
lozhnjaa pa drupaam, bet mees , paliceeji shajaa
krastaa, satraucamies, kaa gan vinji tiks
atpakalj. Skrienu mekleet tuvaakaas maajaas
laivu. Kameer atrodu, atbraucu, abi peldeetaaji,
staastiidami anekdotes un skalji smejoties,
veiksmiigi atpeldeejushi atpakalj un tagad
zobojas par muusu satraukumu. Taa beidzaas shis
lieliskais vakars.Peec shiis reizes sekoja veel
vairaaki citi braucieni un pikniki ar pasaulee
visgarshiigaakiem Aljoshas gatavotajiem
shashlikiem .Par lielu piedziivojumu izveertaas
labas galjas mekleeshana. Ejam pa tirgu,
mekleejam galju, Aljosha aprunaajas ar vienu,
otru paardeveeju, paarbauda, kas der, kas neder,
liidz atrod to pareizo, iisto gabalu. Un taa
kaartiigi apkraameejushies varam doties maajup,
gatavot shiis bezgala garshiigaas delikateses.
Un kur nu veel pareiza kveelojoshu oglju
sagatavoshana un galjas uzdurshana uz iesmiem.
Neiztika arii bez plova gatavoshanas. Lai
izgatavotu labu plovu, nepiecieshami ne tikai
labi produkti, bet arii labs inventaars. Tika
atrasts un nopirkts specials chuguna katls.
Plovs bija jaaeed ar pirkstiem, Aljosha
aizliedza lietot jebkaadus galda piederumus, un
peec shaadaam dziireem visi bija taukainaam
rokaam un muteem.Plovu "noskalot"driiksteeja ar
karstu teeju vai sarkano viinu.
Aljosha ir ierakstiijis ljoti spilgtu,
neizdzeeshamu lappusi muusu visu dziivee.
Unikaalas ir vinja zinaashanas gandriiz visaas
jomaas un uz jebkuru jautaajumu vinjam vienmeer
bija atbilde.
Aljosha atnaaca kaa akmenjkalis, kursh ar savu
kaltu un aamuru prata izkalt neiedomaajami
skaistu teelu,kas paarsteidza visu pasauli ar
milziigo talantu, vienkaarshiibu, skaistumu un
vienreiziigumu
Janis
01.2006 Evgeny Kissin
Поистине никто не знает, что нас ждёт, и надо
дорожить каждым днём , каждой минутой , отпущенной
нам на этой Земле. Когда в середине 90-х годов нам
с Алёшей Султановым не было и 30-ти
И во время моего визита в Форт-Уорс мы вместе
веселились , шумели и радовались жизни мог ли
представить себе ,что всего 10 лет спустя буду
писать о нём воспоминания
?
Впервые я услышал об Алёше задолго до того ,как
услышал его игру. В то время мы оба были ещё детьми
,и имя Алексея Султанова становилось всё более и
более известным в музыкальных кругах бывшего
Советского Союза. У меня в памяти остался такой
отзыв: «Парень необычайно пианистичный , с громадной
экспрессией ».
Затем был 8 ой Международный конкурс им.
Чайковского в Москве ( 1986-г. ), героем которого
фактически стал Алёша ,хотя он и не получил на том
конкурсе лауреатского звания.
Всего за несколько дней до его выступления на
1-туре,во время одной из репетиций крышка рояля
упала прямо на палец. В результате- перелом. Сразу
же по Москве поползли слухи ,что
Несмотря на тяжелейшую травму , Султанов намерен
участвовать
в конкурсе . Моя учительница Анна Павловна Кантор,
столкнувшись с Алёшей около Большого Зала Московской
Консерватории ( где проходил конкурс) после
очередной репетиции, спросила его: « Ну что, будешь
играть?»- и он ответил:
« Должен !».
И вот настал день выступления. В конце Алёшиной
программы 1-го тура 2-я и 3-я части бетховенской «
Аппассионаты ».После каждой пьесы Алёша уходил за
сцену , где ему делали обезболивающие уколы , затем
снова возвращался быстрым и стремительным шагом ,
садился за рояль , немедленно начинал играть и
масштабный пианизм , громадная экспрессия , сгусток
энергии , темперамента , всесокрушающей воли и ни
одной неискренной ноты.
Потом в газете « Комсомольская правда » появилась
статья под названием « « Аппассионата» не отменяется
», из которой мы узнали о том , что действия
анестезии не хватало на 2-ю и 3-ю части
бетховенского шедевра : « Последние такты Алёша
играл живыми, всё чувствовавшими руками ».
То был первый удар судьбы Алексея Султанова - и он
по бетховенски « схватил судьбу за глотку » и
победил.
Через 2 года триумфальная победа на Международном
Конкурсе им. Ванна Клиберна в Форт Уорсе
,принёсшая Султанову мировую известность. Вскоре
после этого состоялась наша первая встреча. Мой
приятель привёл меня в общежитие Московской
консерватории , где они оба с Султановым в то время
учились.
В одной из комнат собралась компания , и через
какое-то время открылась дверь и вошёл Алёша.
Увидев меня , он с неподдельной
( подделываться он вообще не умел это может
подтвердить любой , знавший Алёшу ) радостно
закричал : « Женька ! Столько твоих дисков и в Нью
Йорке и в Форт Уорсе! » ( в то время я ещё не
выступал в Америке , но мои записи там уже
продовались)
и стал рассказывать о клиберновском конкурсе - живо
, горячо ,
остроумно , не упуская случая посмеяться над самим
собой ( что ему вообще было свойственно вовсе не
из кокетства , а потому ,
что именно таким он был ). Помню его рассказ о том ,
как во время исполнения обязательного произведения
современного композитора ( которое Алёша с присущей
ему искренностью охарактеризовал последними словами
; как я узнал потом , он и в Америке во время
конкурса говорил всем то же самое ,невзирая на
« высокий статус » автора того опуса ) он позабыл
текст и сыграл идущий вверх пассаж как бы « с
раскачки », после чего советский член жюри заявил :
« Какая оригинальная трактовка ! ».
Несколько лет спустя судьба забросила нас обоих в
Америку уже на постоянное жительство .
Обосновались мы в этой огромной стране на
расстоянии нескольких тысяч миль друг от друга
( Алёша в Форт Уорсе , я в Нью Йорке ) и
потому увиделись за все эти годы один лишь раз -
после одного из моих концертов в Форт Уорсе .
Войдя в артистическую перед концертом , я увидел
букет цветов от Алёши с пожеланиями успеха (
согласитесь, мало кто из нашей музыкальной братии
способен на такой жест по отношению к коллеге! ) , а
после концерта приём в частном доме ,на котором
Алёша был поистине душой общества и снова развлекал
всех присутствующих своими рассказами. И снова
веселье , смех ( в том числе и над самим собой ) ,
доброта , искренность и настоящее кипение жизни ,
воплощение жизнелюбия. Кто бы тогда мог вообразить ,
что всего через несколько лет именно его , Алёшу ,
разобьёт паралич и он уже никогда не встанет на
ноги
Все те годы , что Алёша был прикован к постели ,
люди говорили:
« Какой бедный парень и какая же необыкновенная у
него жена! Какая преданная , любящая ,
самоотверженная женщина!». Теперь, когда Алёши не
стало ,Даце посвящает свою жизнь увековечиванию его
памяти. В
необыкновенной душевной доброте
и отзывчивости этой женщины мне довелось убедится
лично.
В последний свой приезд в Форт Уорс ( в апреле
2003-го г. ) ,
сразу по прибытии я слёг в постель с гриппом ,с
высокой температурой , и не смог сыграть
запланированный концерт. У меня был номер телефона
Султановых , и я позвонил по нему , чтобы справится
об Алёше. Мы с Даце совершенно не были знакомы , но
узнав ,что я болен ,она, несмотря на то , что у неё
на руках был парализованный , нуждающийся в
ежесекундном уходе
Алёша , немедленно прислала мне в гостиницу бутылку
какого то целебного сока
Злая судьба всё таки нанесла Алёше смертельный удар
в самом
расцвете лет но нет в мире силы , способной
погубить его
музыку , память об этом замечательном человеке и
любовь к нему всех тех , кто его знал.
Е. Кисин.
01.2006 Sasha Korsantya
Now, while trying to
put together some episodes from the wide and deep
pull of memories, which I associate with Aliosha, I
realize how hard this task is. It feels like
starting a book. Guess why? Because Alioshas huge
personality. Instead of writing funny, scattered
episodes from the experiences of our friendship, I
want rather to express my feelings about this unique
man.
Somehow I truly feel
that his spirit is very much aware of anything that
would interest him during his lifetime (like me
writing now) and I would like to continue our
confessions to each other like we used to as if he
was sitting next to me.
Still, there are some
episodes, which I would to share with you.
We are in Six Flags
of America amusement park. I am totally petrified
by only looking at the giant swing called The
Bomber. Aliosha has tried it before and has an
agenda to make me try it too. I am scared and
stubborn, but not even close as stubborn as Aliosha.
We negotiate for hours. He does win in the end but
my condition is: Aliosha has to practice next day
for 8 hours Rachmaninoff Third Concerto, the piece,
which he soon will perform. He promised and swore
that he will do it. Half dead, I am climbing in to
the swing, which is pulled up about 120 feet. On the
top I pull the release trigger and set us flying! I
am the happiest man I overcame my fear. Suddenly I
want to repeat the experience and I do it again
without negotiation with Aliosha. Aliosha did it for
me not to make fun of me being terrified.
He always wanted to
be first - and he always was. He still is listen
to his recordings.
When Aliosha and Dace
would come to our home in South Bend, IN to visit,
it was clear even before they would arrive that they
will be postponing their departure several 3-5
times. Because we all loved to be together. How can
I forget New Years Eve at our house huge party
climaxing in pouring champagne and wine over each
other happiness also was pouring overboard.
He
always wanted to astonish, amaze everyone. In the
beginning of the one of my frequent visits to
Sultanovs, Dace asked me to wait in the living room
for Aliosha. I waited for couple of minutes and then
realized that Aliosha is seating on the couch in the
center of the room! He did a Ninja trick sneaking in
when I wasnt looking
or maybe it was magic!
01.2006 Rihards Rubins
Zvaigznes spiideejums.
Tev...
man... Jums. Bet cik gan ilgi spilgta buusi?
Ilgstamiiba tacu gurdina, remdina sajuusmu. Mirklja
spozums, kritiens. Okeaans rada cildenuma,
burviiguma iluuziju. Tuvina muus dieviskjam...
Filosofs, mediteejot refleksijaa... ir divi lieli
nosleepumi - cilveeka buutiiba, suutiiba un
zvaigznjota debess virs mums.
Agri vai veelu ar katru tas notiks, kaa parasti ne -
Laikaa. Atveersies Muuziibaa durvis, viiteros
putninjs mazs, dveesele pacelsies spaarnos, celju
maajup rast...
Varbuut saciitaa lasiitaajs sajutiis Aljosa
Sultanova likteni? Varbuut? Tacu vaardi, kaisiiti
veejaa, maldina un mulsina. Nevar tacu aptvert
neaptveramo, izjust to, kas nav lemts laiciigai
buutnei. Taadaas reizees tas Kungs uzjautrinaas par
savu beernu rotaljaam.
Izsenis zinaaju - Sultanovs ir muzikaals geenijs.
Tuvplaanaa iepazinu Latvijaa, Liepaajaa, pilseetinaa
Dzintarjuuras krastaa. Festivalaa, kuraa tiekas
talantiigi pianisti no malu malaam. Taadu sniegumu
dzirdeeju pirmo reizi. Liepaajnieki, celjoties
kaajaas, applaudeeja - sajuusmas asaras aciis.
Cuksts cuksteeja - mirkli, apstaajies, paliec ar
mums - dod gariigo speeku nestundaa mums.
Dzirdeejis esmu - geenijiem esot kapriizes. Aljosa
iznjeemums. Peec koncerta manas gimenes necilaa
dziivoklii tikaamies pie kafijas tases. Nejausiiba,
dziives karaliene, vienviet savedusi muuzikas
draugus. Vinjs bija muuseejais - kaada pietaate,
bijiiba pret citu domu, viedokli, maldiem. Taads
pats cilveeks kaa mees visi, kopaa ar mums.
Kops taa briizja allaz intereseejos par Sultanova
gaitaam, priecaajos par panaakumiem, satraucos par
slimiibu. Ticeeju, ka labi buus... Druumos briizjos
klausiijos Aljosa koncertu ierakstus.
Cik
nezjeeliigi! Kaada netaisniiba ! Radiitaajs miil
geenijus, agri njem pie sevis. Sagaadaajot milzu
saapes pieluudzeejiem. Cik cildeni skaista ir
kriitosa zvaigzne tumsaa naktii! Mirklis pirms
Muuzjiibas. Taa buuveeta pasaule.
Vai
dveesele nemirstiiga? Nezinu, domaaju, ticu un
saubos. Senie miiti, seeraas tinusies veesta - vins
joprojaam ir kopaa ar mums, tikai uz iisu briidi
pagaajis saanis no dziives ugunskura. Netici -
paklausies, ko staasta viljnju muuzika.
Old
Rubin...Lapkritii
Taalu, taalu no Amerikas
English Translation
A
Twinkling Star.
For
you... For me... But how long can a star be
twinkling? How long can rapture last? A twinkling,a
shooting star; the ocean creates illusion of
nobleness and magic; draws us nearer to the divine.
There are two great secrets -
human mission and
the
starlit sky above us.
Sooner or later it will happen to everyone; as a
rule- at the wrong Time. Eternity's Door will open,
a little bird will sing, the soul will take wing -
homewards...
Possibly the reader will sense Alexei ( Alyosha)
Sultanov's fate. Possibly? Yet, the words, used
lightly, lead astray and confuse. One can not grasp
the matters which are beyond human understanding. At
such times our Creator laughs at his childerns'
imagination.
I knew
long ago that Sultanov
was a musical genius. I met him in Latvia, in
Liepaja - at the Amber Sea at a festival for gifted
pianists from everywhere. I had never heard such a
performance. We stood up and applauded - with tears
in our eyes. A whisper said - just a moment, stay
with us, give us a stronghold for the future, for
the difficult hour.
I
have heard about the caprices of geniuses.. It was
not the case with Alexei. After the concert we met
in my family's modest appartment. As a matter of
chance, friends of music had gathered there. He was
one of us -he was completely accepting of the
thoughts, opinions, falacies of each of the others
there. A person like the other persons, he was truly
among us. Since then, I have always taken an
interest in Sultanov's life. I was worried about his
serious disease and hoped that all would be well...
At gloomy times I listened to records of Alexeei's
concerts.
How
cruel it is! What a travesty! The Creator likes
geniuses and takes them early for Himself; creating
grief for their admirers. How noble a shooting star
in a dark night is ! A moment before Eternity; the
world is made so. Is the soul immortal ? I dont
know, I think, believe butI have doubts about it.
The old myths say - he is still with us, only has he
stepped aside from life`s bonfire for a moment.
Don`t you believe me? Listen to what is said by
music of the waves.
Old
Rubin... In the fall,
far away from America.
10.2005
Heinrcih
Neuhaus
Султанов, которого мы потеряли
К сожалению, я не имел счастья слышать А. Султанова
живьем. С 1980-го по 1991 годы я был тяжело болен,
после смерти отца, С. Нейгауза, мной овладела
тягчайшая депрессия, которая длилась 11 лет, и
окончилась только после эмиграции. Но прекрасно
помню, как Л. Н. и И. И. Наумовы говорили об
очередном гении, появившемся в их «школе». После
отъезда из России я занялся богословием, философией,
журналистской деятельностью, параллельно давал
концерты и незаметно перестал интересоваться
пианистами вообще. Тем более, что сам по себе
пианизм меня всегда раздражал (и продолжает
раздражать). Единственное исключение я могу
допустить только сейчас, прослушав записи ныне
покойного Алексея.
Это не «фокусничанье», это не эстрадное шоу, это
глубочайшее соответствие Музыки и ее адекватного
исполнения. Это именно та музыкально-пианистическая
одаренность, которой владели Бузони, Рахманинов,
Горовиц
Пусть в моих устах этот постулат и
прозвучит «ересью», но даже горовицевские вариации
на тему из «Кармен», как мне кажется, Султанов
исполняет лучше самого автора. (Как и обработку
Второй рапсодии, впрочем). Потому что здесь мы
слышим не виртуозность ради виртуозности, не «блеск
и треск», а идеально отшлифованное пианистическое
мастерство, направленное на достижение подлинно
музыкального содержания. Должен оговориться: мой
отец как-то сказал об исполнении В. Горовицем
Второй сонаты Рахманинова: «Он играет ее лучше, чем
она написана!» Не боясь преувеличений, могу сказать,
что подобный афоризм приложим и к Султанову в
горовицевских транскрипциях). И все же, мне особенно
дорого исполнение Султановым Шопена. Не хочется
противопоставлять шопенизм ныне покойного Алексея
лучшему из лучших, на мой нескромный взгляд,
шопенизму отца, но можно смело сказать: такое
исполнение Шопена действительно имеет право на
существование, более того, именно мне, 44-летнему
«старичку» шопениана Султанова помогла справиться с
собой и вернуться к исполнению польского гения после
двадцатипятилетнего перерыва. Такова связь ушедших
из этой жизни с нами, еще живыми, таково их огромное
влияние. Как жаль, что подобные озарения приходят
только после смерти великих музыкантов
Но с нами
записи Алексея, и это как раз то минимальное
счастье, которого мы удостоились. Я не советовал бы
современным музыкантам слепо подражать Султанову,
при всем его высочайшем профессионализме он
художник крайне субъективный. Но я искренне
посоветовал бы всем изучать его творческое наследие,
а это значит в первую очередь мыслить (без
абсурдного копирования, разумеется). Об особом
очаровании Алексея в интерпретации Баха писать
бессмысленно. Замечу только, что его исполнение
слегка романтично, но это не романтика того же
Бузони, а строгая, точно выверенная интерпретация с
тем легким налетом романтизма, которая (без
преувеличения!) может быть названа истинно
нейгаузовской. Быть может, здесь чувствуется влияние
Л. Наумова, но, да простят меня мои гениальные
предшественники, я слышу в султановских записях ту
самую Личность, которая напоминает мне
записи прелюдий и фуг из ХТК в исполнении Генриха
Густавовича Нейгауза. И, опять-таки без тени
копирования или подражания
Смерть А. Султанова огромная потеря для всех нас,
и «чистых» пианистов, и музыкантов, и любителей.
Быть может, его трагическая гибель и предшествующие
ей мучения хотя бы убедят некоторых музыкальных
критиков не быть столь завистливыми и ожесточенными,
ведь, несмотря на внешний блеск, лоск и
артистическую красоту, Алексей наверняка был глубоко
ранимым человеком (эта ранимость души истинного
Художника так слышна в его Четвертой балладе
Шопена!). Ну, а по поводу решения жюри Конкурса им.
Чайковского мне не остается выразить ничего, кроме
презрения. Вы-то, старички, в своем большинстве еще
живы, а Султанов? И эти люди до сих пор имеют
наглость именоваться «профессиональными пианистами»,
хотя в принципе, в наше время подобное выражение
скорее соответствует слову «цинизм». В заключение
приведу отрывок из стихотворения Б. Пастернака:
«Цель творчества самоотдача, А не шумиха, не успех
»
Мне кажется, сегодня эти строки наиболее актуальны
для Алексея Султанова, которого мы потеряли.
Г. Нейгауз-младший, Израиль
English
Translation
Sultanov, our dearly
departed,
Unfortunately I was
not lucky enough to hear A. Sultanov perform when he was
still with us. I was very ill between 1980 and 1991
after my father, S. Neihaus passed away and was only
able to recover after my immigration to Israel. However
I distinctly remember that Mr. and Mrs. Naumov were
telling me about a new genius, who joined their
school. After my departure from Russia I was occupied
with preaching, journalism,
philosophy, and
concerts
and gradually forgot about pianism per say. By that time
the world of piano, as a whole, was getting on my nerves
(and still does). The only exception I can allow was
only while listening to the recordings of late Alexei
Sultanov. There is no cheap show but simply the deepest
combination of the Music and its Interpretation. Thats
the virtuosity, which the greatest of the great
possessed, the ones like Busoni, Rachmaninoff, and
Horowitz
It may sound like heresy but I think that
famous Carmen Variations sound better in Sultanovs
interpretation than the authors (Actually, as well as
the transcription of the Second Rhapsody). Why- because
here (in Sultanovs interpretation) we hear not simply
virtuosity for the sake of virtuosity, but a perfectly
polished artistic mastery aimed to find a musical truth.
Yet it is Sultanovs Chopin that I treasure the most. I
am not comparing Chopins interpretation of late Alexei
to my not-so modest opinion of my father, but I can
confidently say that it deserves to be to be
up there
with the great ones. Sultanovs
Chopin helped me, a 44 year old man to overcome myself
and finally resume performing Chopin after a 20-year
break. Thats the connection between the living ones and
the ones who have left this world
It is sad that these
kinds of revelations occur only after a great artists
passing. However, we have his recordings and this is
still something great of his, which we should treasure.
I would not recommend pianists to imitate Sultanov he
is quite a subjective artist. But I sincerely wish them
to carefully learn his heritage and make conclusions
without copying. Everyone is captivated and charmed by
his reading of Bach. It is slightly romantic but not in
the same sense as even Busoni himself. It is very noble,
carefully calculated interpretation with a slight scent
of romanticism, which, without a doubt, can be called
Neihauss. Possibly there is a hint of L. N. Naumovs
influence, but (my genius ancestors, please forgive me!)
I hear the same lyricism found in recordings of Heinrich
Neihauss Preludes and Fugues by Bach. Again without
any imitating or copying. The death of Alexei Sultanov
is a great loss for all of us: pianists, musicians, and
music lovers
Maybe his tragedy and suffering will send
the message to the music critics to become more
accepting and less angry towards their subjects;
clearly, Alexei in spite of his exterior boldness and
courage was an easily offended person (which one can
hear in his great recording of Chopins Fourth Ballade).
There is nothing left for me to say about the decision
of the jury of the Tchaikovsky Competition I am
overwhelmed with disgrace. "You are still alive, but
what about Sultanov?" And these people still dare call
themselves professionals? In the end I will quote B.
Pasternak: The purpose of Art is self-fulfillment, not
a show or success
I think, today these lines are
especially real for Alexei Sultanov, whom we lost
G. Neihaus Junior. Israel
8.2005
from Tatjana Baskakova
Zjestokij
mir, neterpjashij genijev, poterjal ne Rixtera, ne
Rachmaninova a Mocarta fortepiano Aljoshu Sultanova.
Konkursi kolechat talanti i ubivajut genijev. O
tvorchestve muzikantov nemozjet suditj kuchka ljudei,
poroi nerazbirajushajasja dazje v sobstvennix postupkax,
iz-za kotorix stradajut fizicheski i moraljno
talantlivije muzikanti, a istinnije tvorci ne
viderzivajut nespravedlivogo suda i uxodjat v mir inoi.
Sudjat slushateli, kotorije preklonjalisj,
preklonjajutsja i budut preklonjatsja pered
nezabivajemoi, tonkoi i neobichno jarkoi igro
ivelichaishego muzikanta.
08.2005 from Anna Ferster
Jak
przezylam wystep Aleksieja na Festiwalu Chopinowskim -
via telewizor zreszta.
Otσz po wysluchaniu Aleksieja poszlam na pσznowieczorny
spacer z psem. Nie bylo mnie w domu ponad pσl godziny i
po powrocie Ania (cσrka) zapytala mnie, gdzie tyle czasu
chodzilam. Chcac odpowiedziec jej na pytanie zdalam
sobie sprawe, ze... nie mam pojecia, jaka trase zrobilam,
jakimi uliczkami szlam... bo caly czas bylam myslami z
muzyka i mlodym "magnetycznym" pianista, ktσry mnie
zachwycil. Doslownie "stracilam glowe" - bylo to piekne
przezycie.
Bardzo,
bardzo sie ucieszylam po paru latach koncertem Sultanowa
w Filharmonii Krakowskiej, bo moglam zabrac ze soba Anie
i z nia cieszyc sie gra "na zywo" Aleksieja.
Anna
Ferster
Krakσw, Poland
English
Translation
How I felt
Alexeis performance on Chopin Festival via television
anyway.
So, after I had heard Alexei out, I went out for a late
evening walk with a dog. I was away of home for more
than half an hour and when I came back, Ania (daughter)
asked me, where I walked for such a long time. I wanted
to answer the question and then I realized that...I had
no idea, what route I had made, which streets I had
walked...because all the time I was in my thoughts with
the music and the young magnetic pianist, who roused
my admiration.
Literally I had lost my head it was beautiful
experience.
I was
very, very happy that a few years later it was
Sultanovs concert in the Philharmonic Hall in Krakow,
because I could bring Ann with me and with her I could
be happy about live playing of Alexei.
Anna
Ferster
Krakow,
Poland
08.2005 from Maria and Jerzy Kaszycki
Nasza
wiedza o istnieniu tak wielkiego talentu w dziedzinie
pianistyki swiatowej byla juz przed Konkursem
chopinowskim bowiem docieraly juz do nas Jego nagrania.
Naprawde uslyszelismy jego gre "na zywo"dopiero w
transmisjach telewizyjnych z Konkursu. Od pierwszego
etapu kwalifikowalismy Jego udzial w Konkursie jako
zdobywce pierwszego miejsca.
Niestety - tak jak i wiekszosc sluchaczy i sledzacych
pilnie caly Konkurs - po ogloszeniu wynikσw doznalismy
wielki zawσd. Aleksiejowi nalezala sie niewatpliwie
pierwsza nagroda, a na pewno - jesli juz nie przyznano
tej pierwszej w ogσle - to miejsce drugie, ale bez
towarzysza do podzialu! Takie sa nasze refleksje
pokonkursowe, a sledzac dalsza Jego kariere, Jego
zachwycajace wykonania, zawsze utrwalalismy nasza opinie
o Jego ogromnym
talencie.
Jego ciezka choroba i smierc to niepowetowana strata w
swiatowej piannistyce.
Maria i
Jerzy Kaszyccy.
Krakσw, Poland
English
Translation
Our
knowledge about an existence of such great talent in the
sphere of worlds piano art was already before Chopin
Competition, because his recordings reached Poland.
Indeed we
heard his playing live not before in television
broadcasting from the competition. From the first stage
we qualified his participation in the competition as the
winner of the first prize.
Unfortunately as most listeners and those who
diligently followed the whole contest after the
verdict had been announced, we were disappointed.
Alexei
undoubtedly deserved the first prize and sure as
already the first prize wasnt given to anybody at all
than the second place but without the fellow to
partition. There are our after Competition reflections
and as we followed his future career, his delightful
performances, we always consolidated our opinion about
his enormous talent.
His serious illness and death is an irreparable loss in
the worlds piano art.
Maria and
Jerzy Kaszycki
Krakow, Poland
8.2005 from Thelma
The first
site that appeared on the net showed in memory of
Sultanov's birthday, there is a special program¨ I kept
reading and saw a bright star has gone from this earthly
planet¨ At the beginning I probably refused to believe
what I read, but as I kept going I came to understand
and my eyes were wet He is gone. On June 30. He is only
35 years old. Reading pages and bits on the site and
listening to the recording of his golden age, it
reminded me what Bernard Shaw said to the great
violinist Heifetz, "If you provoke a jealous God by
playing with such superhuman perfection, you will die
young"
Thelma
Vicenza,
Italy
8.2005 from Charlotte
When you
look at the stars in the night sky the sky is filled
with regular stars. They burn slowly and faintly and
their light lasts a long time. But, if you're lucky and
you're looking in the right direction at just the right
moment you'll see a shooting star. You almost never see
them. They're rare. To us Alexei is that shooting star
amongst regular stars. A shooting star is wonderful, but
passes quickly. It's only here for a moment but while
it's here the other stars stop and watch.
"Alexei,
you could never be regular . You're unique and
spectacular."
His memory
will always remain in our Hearts.
08, 2005 from Bevery Archibald
My first
memory of Alexei was when he played with the Fort Worth
Symphony Orchestra, shortly after he had won the Van
Cliburn competition. At that time they had the artists
talk with the audience before the concerts. Alexei and
John Giordano appeared before us - with John introducing
Alexei, who said he didn't know much English - but he
sure could communicate! Alexei's body seemed to almost
have trouble containing all of his energy - he smiled
and talked and kind of "bounced" as he spoke to us. At
that time I realized that his superb playing came from
not only his natural talent and many years of practice,
but also from the incredible amount of energy he had.
Another wonderful memory was when Dace was a student of
English in my class at Texas Wesleyan University. Alexei
would come with her and sit in class sometimes, and
(although he tried to contain it) he was hugely amused
by the mistakes she made. One of the favorites was when
she was reading aloud and said "Buss-e-nuss" for
business (makes sense, doesn't it?). Dace and I still
laugh about that sometimes. When she was in my last
class of the day, they would walk me to my car and
Alexei would insist on carrying my books for me! Again,
his zest for life and his energy were very evident.
The most cherished memories, for me, are of their lives
after Alexei's stroke. When Alexei was in the hospital
for about six weeks in 2003, Dace spent every moment she
could by his side - never leaving the hospital for the
entire six weeks - even sleeping on the floor of the ICU
waiting room. And you knew, somehow, that even though he
was unconscious a lot of the time, Alexei knew she was
there and drew strength from her presence.
Most of my
other memories have been recorded on Alexei's website,
as I was privileged to be a part of their lives and
wrote some of the updates for the site. One of their
first public performances after his strokes was at my
church, Westside Unitarian Universalist, where they
moved the congregation to tears, followed by a standing
ovation. I served as the narrator, and we had many more
performances together, at nursing homes, schools, the
YMCA and hospitals. When Alexei died, we had many more
advance "bookings" - some into the month of September. I
feel his loss daily - not so much as a musician, but as
a strong, courageous friend.
8.2005 from Benita Abele
1986. gada
rudens nogale - ziemas saakums, vilciens " Latvija"
tuvojas savam galameerkim - Maskavai.Es kaarteejo reizi
braucu pie Daces. Vilciens apstaajas Riigas stacijaa
Maskavaa, mani sagaida Dace un gliits, neliela auguma
jauns cilveeks, ar tumshaam, apbriinojami dziiviigaam,
veeriigaam aciim, kuraas lasu jautaajumu - kaadas
veidosies muusu abu attieciibas? Tas ir Aljosha -
Aleksejs Sultanovs, kuru jau zinu peec nostaastiem, bet
klaatienee tiekamies pirmo reizi.
Turpmaak, katru reizi ierodoties Maskavaa, mani sagaida
Dace un Aljosha ar izmekleeti skaistiem ziediem.
Saakumaa, zinot, cik shaadi ziedi Maskavaa maksaa un
kaada ir Daces un Aljosha finansialaa rociiba, meegjinu
protesteet pret shaadu izshkjeerdiibu, bet veltiigi.
Driiz vien, iepaziistot Aljoshu tuvaak, saprotu, ka
nekad un neviens nespees Aljoshu atrunaat dariit to, ko
vinjsh ir noleemis, un, ka vinjsh juutas laimiigs kaadu
paarsteidzot un iepriecinot.
Veelaakos
gados,kad vinji ar Daci jau dziivoja Amerikaa,
paarsteigumu ir bijis ljoti daudz. Kaadaa no
viesoshanaas reizeem Riigaa, vinjsh ierodas Mezhaparka
maajaa ar tikko nopirktu muuzikas centru, citaa reizee
ar veljas mazgaajamo mashiinu un taa joprojaam. Daasnums,
labestiiba un vienkaarshiiba - taas ir shii izcilaa
talanta cilveeciskaas pamatiipashiibas. Tuuliit
jaapiemin arii vina lielisko humora izjuutu,
beernishkjiigo prieku padziit jocinus un reizeem
panerrot savus liidzcilveekus. Luuk epizode no Daces un
Aljosha iestaaju eksaameniem Maskavas P.Caikovska
konservatorijaa. Peec teicami nokaartotiem
specialitaates eksaameniem, jaakaarto eksaamens krievu
valodaa - Aljosham jaaraksta sacereejums, Dacei diktaats.
Taa kaa ir vasaras briivdienas, visi audzeeknji no
internata aizbraukushi, esmu dabuujusi atljauju Daces
eksaamenu laikaa sheit pa dienu uztureeties. Protams, ar
satraukumu arii es gaidu shii eksaamena rezultaatus.Peec
vairaaku stundu saspringtas gaidiishanas ( atrados 3.
staavaa) dzirdu lejaa balsis - Aljosha skaljaa balsii
lamaa Daci
( protams krieviski) - ak tu stulbene taada, es tachu
tev teicu, ja pati nezini, meegjini norakstiit ! Ko tu
tagad dariisi, nenolikusi krievu valodu? Apmeeram
shaadi, ar ne sevishkji izmekleetiem vaardiem,
strosteejot Daci, abi ir jau sasniegushi 3. staavu.
Ieraugot mani baalu un izmisushu, abi saak sirsniigi
smieties un pazinjo, ka gribeejushi mani pamaaniit.
Eksaameni nokaartoti un abi ir studenti.
Gruuti atrast vaardus, lai aprakstiitu savas izjuutas
klausoties Aljosha koncertus, studiju gados Maskavaa,
veelaak Varshavaa, Milaanaa un citur. Neizdzeeshamaa
atminjaa palicis Aljosha speeleetais F.Lista Mefisto
valsis, beidzot Maskavas CMS - netverams tehnisks
vieglums, deemoniskas pasaazhas ar braazmainu speeku un
dievishkji maiga, izjusta lirika ! Liidz shai dienai
labaaku shii valsha izpildiijumu neesmu dzirdeejusi, un,
man liekas, ka nemaz arii nevar buut.
Pateicoties Aljosham ir piepildiijies viens no maniem,
kaa likaas, nekad nepiepildaamiem sapnjiem - nokljuut
Milaanas " La Skala" operteaatrii. Peec uzvaras
1995.g.F. Shopeena konkursaa, Aljosham 23. decembrii
bija koncerts " La Skalaa".
Dace un Aljosha uzdaavinaaja mums abiem ar Daces teeti
visfantastiskaako Ziemassveetku daavanu - iespeeju
nokljuut Milaanaa uz sho koncertu un naakoshaa dienaa
visiem kopaa jaukaa, maajiigaa viesniicinjaa sagaidiit
Ziemassveetkus. Vienreizeejs koncerts, peec koncerta
iespeeja uzkaapt un pastaigaat pa sho veesturisko
skatuvi, izjust vinjas iipasho auru un burviibu, pabuut
aizkulishu telpaas, kur uztureejushaas tik daudzas
slaveniibas ! Nekad neaizmirstamas izjuutas!!!
Paldies Aljosham!
Aljosha -
ne tikai apbriinojams, fantastisks talants muuzikaa, bet
arii bezgala interesants, erudiits un aspraatiigs sarunu
biedrs. Taadeelj vienmeer vinjsh ir jebkuras
sabiedriibas dveesele.
Cik ljoti interesanats bija muusu abu agraas brokastis
pl. 4 naktii muusu Mezhaparka maajaa, Aljosha un Daces
vairaakkaarteejo viesoshanaas laikaa Latvijaa. Sakaraa
ar kontinentaalaam laika mainjaam, Aljosha naktiis
nevareeja aizmigt. Dzirdot vinju klusi kliistot pa
aizmigusho maaju, ceelos augshaa, saruupeeju kaut ko
eedamu un pie teejas vai viina glaazes saakaas muusu
aizraujoshaas sarunas. Ar krietnu devu humora Aljosha
staastija dazhaadus vinju abu ar Daci piedziivojumus
koncertturneju laikaa, jautrus atgadiijumus no skolas
laikiem Tashkentaa, studiju gadiem Maskavaa, par savu
pirmo skolotaaju Tamaru Afanasjevnu Popovichu - ljoti
interesantu, koloriitu personiibu, ar kuru arii man
laimeejaas Maskavaa iepaziities, un amizantas epizodes
no vinjas viesoshanaas reizeem Amerikaa. Par savu
skolotaaju Aljosha staastija ar lielu sirsniibu un
miilestiibu, bet atzinaas, ka savaa dziivee vinjsh ir
baidiijies no 2 lietaam - Tamaras Popovichas un
...lapseneem !
Taisniiba
, ka cilveeka vislielaakaa bagaatiiba ir atminjas un
taas neviens un nekad mums nevar atnjemt. Man atminjas
par Aljoshu ir daudz un daargas.
Kopsh
2001. gada pavasara, kad Aljoshu skaara vairaaki smagi
insulti, kuru rezultataa vinjam paralizeeta kjermenja
kreisaa puse, es katru vasaru 3 ar pus meeneshus pavadu
Fort Wortaa vinju abu maajaa. Redzot, kaadiem
neiedomaajami smagiem paarbaudiijumiem Aljosham jaaiet
cauri, es apbriinoju vinja viirishkjiibu, izturiibu,
gribasspeeku un... ljoti daudz ko maacos. Kreisaa puse
ir paralizeeta, bet smadzenju atminju centri nav skarti,
taapeec Aljosha atceras visu, ko ir speeleejis. Un taa
2003. g.rudenii kopaa ar Daci vinji saak speeleet -
Aljosha labo roku, Dace kreiso, saakumaa uz sintizatora,
veelaak klaviereem. Pakaapeniski tiek apguuts diezgan
plashs repertuaars un Ziemassveetkos vinji maajas
draugiem speelee koncertu. Un taa saakas vinju
labdariibas koncerti gan slimniicaas, kur Aljosha
aarsteejies, gan veco ljauzhu pansionatos un daudz kur
citur.Visur vinju uzstaashanaas tika uznjemta ar lielu
sirsniibu un atsauciibu.
Speeleet
shiem cilveekiem Aljosham bija ljoti svarigi, jo vinjsh
redzeeja, ar kaadu uzmaniibu vinji klausaas, un saprata,
ka vismaz kaadu briidi shie cilveeki ir laimiigi,
aizmirstot savas slimiibas un citas dziives likstas.
Un ne mazaak svariigi, ka Aljosha paraadiija - jebkuraa
situaacijaa cilveeks var kaut ko noziimiigu dariit.
Shoreiz
ielidoju Fort Wortaa 28. juunijaa, kaa vienmeer,
lidostaa mani sagaidiija Dace un Aljosha ar lielu
lilliju pushkji, biju bezgala laimiiga vinjus atkal
ieraugot.Naakoshaa vakaraa Aljosha ar Daci speeleeja man
dazhus jaunapguutus skanjdarbus, jo driiz atkal bija
paredzeets koncerts. Jau no pirmaam skanjaam Aljosha
speelee bija juutama daudz lielaaka stabilitaate,
droshiiba, briiviiba un aktivitaate kaa gadu ieprieksh.
Nekas,
pilniigi nekas neliecinaaja par 30. juunija riitu kad
Aljosha .....vienkaarshi nepamodaas ...
Neaizmirstama, spozha komeeta paraadijaas, iisu briidi
pakaveejaas pie mums uz zemes, tad steidziigi devaas
taalaak kosmosa plashumos.....
English
Translation
The fall of 1986 comes to
an end; the train "Latviaapproaches to its final
destination Moscow. I came to visit Dace. The train
stops at Riga`s station; Dace and a handsome, young, not
very tall man, are awaiting my arrival. I see a question
in his dark, watchful eyes: will we be on the same
wavelength?
It is Aljosha Alexei
Sultanov. Dace has told me about him, but in person we
are meeting for the first time.
Henceforward, each time
by my arrival in Moscow, Dace and Aljosha meet me with
exquisite flowers. At first, being aware of the price of
such flowers in Moscow and of Dace`s and Aljosha`s
limited financial circumstances, I try to protest
against such extravagance, but all in vain. Soon,
getting more closely acquainted with Aljosha, I
understood that nobody (and never) will be able to
prevent Aljosha from doing things he has decided on, and
that Aljosha is glad to surprise somebody and to cause
somebody a joy.
There have been many
surprises later on, when Aljosha and Dace already lived
in America. Once visiting us in Riga, he appears in our
Mezhaparks` house with a musical center (stereo system),
another time- with a Laundromat , and so on. Generosity,
goodness, and artlessness are main human qualities of
this distinguished unique and talented man.
I want to mention also
his fantastic sense of humor. He used to crack jokes
with childlike happiness and sometimes - to friendly
tease other persons. It can be seen in an episode
relating Dace`s and Aljosha`s entrance examinations in
Moscow P.Chaikovsky`s Conservatory. They had already
perfectly passed their specialty (piano and cello)
exams, but the next one is the exam in Russian Aljosha
has to write an essay, Dace a dictation. Since it is
summer and most of the students have left for home, I am
permitted to stay in a school dormitory during the days
of Dace`s exams. Of course, I am concerned about the
results of this exam, and have been waiting for them
for a few hours on the third floor, when I finally hear
voices downstairs - Aljosha is loudly shouting in
Russian:- You thickheaded girl! What a flop! I told you
that if you don`t know something you have to copy it off
! What are you going to do, having failed at this exam?
Dace is forced to listen
to such a scolding all the way to the third floor. Once
they see my pale and desperate face, they break into a
good laugh and let me know that they have been
hoodwinked me. They have passed all the examinations,
and they are students of the Moscow State Conservatory
now.
I can hardly express in
words what I have felt while listening to Aljosha`s
concerts in his student days in Moscow, later in
Warsaw, Milan and elsewhere. It is not possible to
forget F.Liszt`s Mephisto Waltz performed by Aljosha
when graduating from Moscow CMS (Central Music School)
technical easiness, demonic passages with impetuous
power and divine lyrics! Never have I heard a better
performance of this waltz, and, in my opinion, there can
never be a better one.
Thanks to Aljosha, my
dream about Milan's La Scala, which seemed to be a
mere flight of fancy, has come true. Aljosha won the
F.Chopin competition in 1995; afterwards, on 23rd
December, Aljosha performed a phenomenal concert in
the opera-house La Scala.
Dace and Aljosha gave us,
Dace`s parents, the most fantastic Christmas present
the possibility to get to Milan for this concert and,
the following day, to spend Christmas together.
A unique and fantastic
concert; afterwards the opportunity to walk a bit on
this historical stage, to feel its charm and aura, to
enter behind the scenes! It can not ever be forgotten!
Thanks to Aljosha!
Aljosha not only an
excellent musical talent but also very interesting to
talk to. Always he is the life and soul of a party.
I remember how
interesting were our early breakfasts together at 4 AM
in our Mezhaparks` house, when Aljosha and Dace visited
Latvia. Due to continental gap of time, Aljosha could
not fall asleep. I heard his quiet footsteps, got up,
procured some snacks, and our fascinating chat began.
Aljosha told me (with excellent humor) about various
adventures during his and Dace`s concert tours, joyful
incidents from school days in Tashkent and student days
in Moscow, about his first piano teacher Tamara
Afanasievna Popovich -a very interesting personality,
with whom I got acquainted in Moscow. Aljosha told
amusing episodes from her visits to America. Aljosha
spoke with cordiality about his teacher, but confessed
that he had always been afraid of only two things in his
life Tamara Popovich and
wasps!
Memories are the dearest
thing to have; nobody and never can take them away. My
memories about Aljosha will remain with me for ever.
Since spring of 2001,
when Aljosha had several serious strokes having resulted
in paralysis in the left side of his body, I resided
each summer for three and a half months at their house
in Fort Worth. Aljosha had to go through many hardships.
I admire his courage, endurance, willpower and
I
learned a lot. The left side of his body was paralyzed,
but his memory was quite as good as earlier; therefore
Aljosha remembered all he had played. And in the fall of
2003 they began to perform - Aljosha with the right
hand, Dace with the left one, at first on the
synthesizer, later on the piano. Step by step, they
learned many compositions; they performed for their
friends a concert at Christmas. It is the beginning of
their charity concerts in hospitals, where Aljosha has
undergone treatments, in old people`s homes, churches
and elsewhere. Their performances are always welcome
with great sincerity and responsiveness everywhere.
Aljosha saw how people
listened to music; saw that they were all attention, how
they were inspired by his performaces. He understood
that the people were happy at least for a little while,
having forgotten their problems, illnesses and other
hardships. This was very important for Aljosha.
And it is not less
important that Aljosha showed human ability for doing
something significant in any situation.
This time I arrived at
Fort Worth on June 28th (2005); as always, Dace and
Aljosha met me at the airport with marvelous lilies. I
was very happy to see them again. Next evening Aljosha
and Dace played for me a few compositions learned anew,
because a concert was coming up soon. Already the first
sounds of Aljosha`s performance showed a significant
improvement, greater stability, confidence, freedom and
activity than it had been a year ago.
Nothing gave a message
about the morning of June 30th, when Aljosha
just did
not wake up
An unforgettable, bright
comet came in sight, stayed with us for a little while,
and went into outer space again
8.2005 from Kirill Gliadkovsky
The
Remembrance
We were
classmates with Alexei at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
When he was entering the Conservatory he was rated as
number one of all of the piano students accepted that
year (about 30 or so), with his "performance GPA" around
10 points (out of 10 possible), even though he was
younger than most of them. The competition to enter the
school, as always, was very serious, at least 7 people
per vacant place.
He was
already a complete artist by then. I remember one of the
mandatory (for all Soviet students at that time)
preliminary auditions for an international competition,
which was open to the public. His performance was
standing out in comparison to all other participants,
mainly by its artistry and musicianship. I recall, he
played a Haydn sonata with such inventiveness and
conviction, that grabbed the attention of listeners
completely. His second (slow) movement was full of
longing, played with a gorgeous sound and phrasing,
rarely heard at that time even in Russia, never losing
the line for a moment. Then Alexei did an incredible
performance of the 7th Sonata by Prokofiev with such a
sense of rhythmic energy in the Finale, that it brought
everyone to their feet (an unusual thing for Russian
audience).
His energy
could probably power a big locomotive, but it was fully
controlled. Not a missed note. Then he did some other
pieces, including Chopin's Etude No.1 from Op.10 with
same kind of virtuosity and energy level. This time some
people disliked it, saying it was not quite in the style
of Chopin, and so on -the question of style was a very
serious matter in those days at the Conservatory. Yet I
really liked it. I'd rather hear a performance where I
can find a true artist and to be able to feel his
relationship to the piece he plays, even if it is not a
conventional one. I think it is boring to hear another
"correct" performance (of such a virtuosic piece as the
etude, anyway), especially after so many wonderful
recordings made by Richter, Pollini, Argerich and
others. Alexei did find his own way there and that was
valuable. His overall performance already then was
impeccable, CD-ready quality, and of great artistic
achievement and individuality.
On the
other side, he was quite a trouble-maker. One time he
repeatedly played, with variations, a musical joke
(which translates into Russian as really bad words -
everyone there knows the meaning) during a break in one
of the classrooms. Then a mad teacher popped up and
demanded to stop it immediately. He did.... for about 10
seconds, and then played it "fff" again as that person
almost walked out (I think Alexei did not see that the
teacher was not completely out yet, otherwise he would
not do it). The professor took it as an insult to him
and raised such a fury! He took poor Alexei to the
director of the Conservatory, and he was in danger of
being expelled. The whole class had to sign a petition
for him so the matter would be resolved peacefully.
I think
one cannot judge a big artist by average standards
anyway - these people are special, very emotional,
sometimes unpredictable, touchy, and they can break down
easily, too......They need to have really favorable
conditions for their artistic growth, which in our
competitive and often harsh lives is not achievable.
Alexei
lived a full life. He gave himself completely to his
performances. It is a huge loss for the world of music,
especially piano music, that Alexei is not with us
anymore. Fortunately, he leaves a legacy of wonderful
recordings, where generations of music lovers to come
can hear his talent shining through the wonderful sounds
he creates.
Kirill
Gliadkovsky, DMA
Concert
Pianist and Organist
08.05.from
Richard B. Prior
I never
had the honor and pleasure of meeting Alexei Sultanov
personally. My only contact with him was through his
audio and video recordings. Someone sent me a DVD of a
recital that Alexei had given in Japan. The works on the
program were varied but included Chopin and the
monumental Liszt sonata in B minor. As I watched this
video, I could not believe how beautiful these works
sounded. His presence at the keyboard was awesome, he
played with such ease the most difficult passages, and
he made the piano sing. I was so impressed with his
artistry that I began to collect every recording that he
ever made. Today, I play these audio and video
recordings frequently. I listen to and watch them with
joy and not sadness. Alexei Sultanov was truly a great
pianist and artist. I am so pleased that I was able to
meet him through his recordings, and I am so thankful
that I have these recordings as a testament to a unique
and superbly gifted human being.
Richard B.
Prior, Ph.D.
08.05 from
Alexander Thomas
"Алёша
всегда был бесконечно предан Музыке.Бывало,найдёт
свободный класс в ЦМШ и занимается.Как- то я случайно к
нему заглянул,увидел,что класс занят Алёшей,и собирался
выйти,как вдруг слышу:"Саша,не уходи..."Я
возвратился.Это было в далеком 1984 году ,когда
состоялась наша первая встреча,посвящённая творчеству
любимого Алёшей ШОПЕНА...Мы подружились и общались
практически постоянно.Посещали
концерты,лекции,какие-либо другие интересные
мероприятия(для этого часто пропускали уроки ,и в
какой-то момент у нас накопилось 50 прогулов!), всегда
вместе обсуждали услышанное.Это был один из немногих
друзей,кому я мог доверять целиком и полностью.Любил он
и здорово "пошкодить" за роялем:никогда не забуду,как мы
играли с ним в четыре руки некоторые этюды Шопена,а
также его подготовку к 8-му Международному Конкурсу
им.П.И.Чайковского 1986 года(где на одной репетиции он
нечяянно сломал пятый палец крышкой "Стейнвея" ) ,когда
Алёша сидел в классе за роялем с гипсом на мизинце и
заразительно хохотал над придуманной им аппликатурой в
коде финала Бетховенской "Аппассионаты". В нём
удивительно гармонично сочетались взрослый,
глубокий,бескомпромиссный музыкант и очень добрый,
озорной мальчишка.Он совершенно был не похож на других и
уже тогда нашёл свою дорогу к Музыке.Я благодарен
судьбе,что мне встретился в жизни Алёша."
08.05 from
Sandra Mouttet
Manas
atmiņas par Aļou
Bet
galvenais ko es visu muu paturēu atmiņā ir tas, cik
Aļoa ir vienmēr bijis sirsnīgs un atsaucīgs pret
jebkuru cilvēku un to cik viņ daudz un daādas lietas
pārzināja , ne tikai mūzikā, kur viņ bija ğēnijs, bet
arī citās jomās un ar saviem padomiem nekad neskopojās.
Man ļoti
ēl, ka man nav bijusi iespēja dzirdēt Aļou
koncertējot! Es gan biei klausos viņa ierakstus. Neesmu
mūzikas speciāluiste, bet kā vienkārs klausītājs esmu
izjutusi dziļu emocionālu pacēlumu katreiz, kad esmu
dzirdējusi os ierakstus. Viņa mūzika paņem dvēseli savā
varā un tā pakļaujas lidojumam un skar prātam netveramas
tāles.
Ņemot vērā
to, cik Liels talents un ğēnijs bija Aleksejs, var tikai
apbrīnot viņa, kā cilvēka vienkārību.
Man ir
bijusi tā laime tikties ar Aļou personīgi. No īm
tikanas reizēm man atmiņā ir palikuas daas spilgtas
epizodes.
Visdziļāk
no visām tikanās reizēm manā atmiņā ir iespiedusies tā
reize, kad mēs apciemojām Daci un Aļou Amerikā 1999.
gada vasarā. Mēs pavadījām daudzas dienas viņu mājās.
Jau no pirmā brīa, kad mēs tur ieradāmies, mēs jutāmies
kā savās mājās, tada sajūta ir reti kur ierodoties. Viņu
majās arī biei bija ciemiņi un visi vienmēr jutās brīvi
un nepiespiesti. Kad mēs gatavojāmies mūsu ceļojumam pa
Ameriku , Aļoa mums deva daādus vērtīgus padomus un
vienmer lika apsolīt, ka būsim ļoti piesardzīgi, teltīs
negulēsim, un vakaros apkārt nestaigāsim. Kad mēs bijām
ķērsojui Ameriku un atgriezāmies viņu mājās, viņi mūs
sagaidīja divos naktī ar lielisku barbekjū - tas bija
fantastiski, jo mes bijam ļoti izbadējuies. Tik
sirsnīgu sagaidīanu es vēl nekad nebiju piedzīvojusi.
Mums arī bija tā laime pasēdēt ar Daci un Aļou uz viņu
mājas jumta. Ar dārznieka trepēm mēs tur uzkāpām, līdzi
paņemot, vīnu. ādiem pasākumiem piemīt liela un
neatkārtojama burvība.
Tad vēl
kāds ļoti aizkustinos notikums, kuru pats Aļoa mums
stāstīja pirms Kleiberna konkursa (kurā mēs zinām viņ
ieguva pirmo vietu), viņam pat nav bijis uzvalks ar ko
uzstāties un viņi ar Daci visur meklējui kur aizņemties
19 rubļus, lai to iegādātos. Zinot Alekseja vēlākos
panākumus, man is stāsts likās ārkārtīgi aizkustinos.
Aleksejs
arī ciemojās manās majās Strasbūrā. Toreiz viņām bija
daas veselības problēmas, bet viņs neraugoties uz
nelāgo pasaūtu ar lielu interesi apskatīja pilsētu un
pat bija ar mieru ēst mājā gatavotas mīdijas (tomēr
stingri kontrolējot kā to gatavoana notiek).
Mūsu kāzās
skanēja Alekseja spēlētais kāzu mars. Lai gan pats
Aļoa pie mums nevarēja ierasties, ar viņa mūziku bija
jūtama viņa klātbūtne un tas bija ļoti saviļņojoi. Tā
bija tik skaista kāzu dāvana un vēl speciāli mums
izveidotais disks, ar ko mēs ļoti lepojamies.
Aleksejs
nebija tikai mūzikas talants, bet arī ļoti gudrs dzīves
skolotājs un ar viņu varēja runāt par visdaādākajām
dzīves tēmām un daudz ko jaunu uzzināt.
Tagad mums
būs Aļoa mūzika, kas mums vienmēr atgādinās par viņa
ğenialitāti un sildīs mūsu sirdis, un atmiņas, ko mēs
katrs glabāsim par Aļosu mūsu sirds dziļumos.
Paldies
Tev Aļoa !
Sandra
Mouttet
8.2005
Charles and Jane Ervin
Dear
Dace,
We
learned today of Alexei death, July 1. Tim Page, The
Washington Post Music critic had a long article on
Alexei in todays post. You may remember we met Alexei
for the first time when he came to Washington, DC three
days after winning the Van Cliburn, appearing on
national TV talk shows, reviewed in many newspapers, and
generally becoming the MAN OF THE HOUR! We met him at
the airport where he arrived in his most modest way - in
levis, with almost no luggage, and carrying a very small
valise, perhaps including music. Alexei was not going to
take his notoriety all that seriously? He came to our
home, practiced on our piano. Neighbors noticed an
improvement over the music I had been making. We then
drove him to the concert the Van Cliburn Foundation had
arranged as the first event in his two years of Van
Cliburn management. His performance was splendid.
The
next time we met was when he visited us immediately
after his Carnegie Hall debut. He arrived with his
father, again practiced on our piano (and the neighbors
again noted an improvement in the sounds coming from our
home) and went on to play in the Kennedy Center. His
English was improving and in a broad ranging
conversation, we asked if he had any girl friends. Yes,
he said. He had met someone at the Moscow Horowitz
concert - where I presumed Horowitz had gone to bow down
to those teachers in Moscow who could produce such a
talent as Alexei. We remember the description of the
seats you had. Way above Horowitz, in glass ceiling,
where you could only see the great man with difficulty,
and of course, he could only see you with difficulty
too.
Next
in our story, Richard Rodzinky called us to tell us he
had arranged for Alexei to play (with Van Cliburn) in
the Kennedy Center, and the White House before the
President, and in a special reception with the Secretary
of State. He said that Alexei had left for Russia to be
with his girl friend against his clear instructions, and
further that the State Department would not now grant
him an artist reentry visa in time for the events. Would
I ( Charles ) help. Richard had given me a huge
compliment. He thought the United States must be my
government - that the President of the United States and
the Secretary of State would respond to my telephone
call and reverse the bureaucratic error - if only I
could find the Presidents telephone number!
I
later asked Alexeis view of the matter. He said he had
to weigh the importance of getting you to join him in
the United States against Richard Rodzinsky, the Van
Cliburn Foundation, the President of the United States,
and his Secretary of State, and their army of Homeland
Security, protecting our nation from wandering artists.
At the time, everyone thought Alexei was a fool. But
they had not met you! Alexei again showed his foresight,
and his wisdom, by finding, courting, and in time,
marrying the true love of his life.
We
met you first when you came to Washington. You and
Alexei were both full of youth and laughter. A gorgeous
couple. We had arranged for you visit the Library of
Congress to see the Rachmanioff legacy. He died in
Beverly Hills, California in 1943 and left his personal
papers to the Library of Congress.
Alexei came again to Washington to play with John Kimura
Parker, winner of the Leeds Piano Competition, at my
retirement party. at the Kennedy Center We have a
recording of his concert and when I hear it I remember
again why I chose not to play that day!
I
visited your home once, touched the keys of the Yamaha,
played chess with Lev Naumov, saw the cats, and ate a
meal with several of the Russian Competitors that year.
Since then we have had Christmas cards, a few phone
conversations, but not visits. You regularity sent us
discs of Alexies performances so we kept up with his
progress. His Chopin Competition was in every sense
magnificent, but it did forecast a problem. He was so
intense waiting for the rounds, he seemed like a taught
wire, about to break. Frankly, we worried about what we
saw, not what we heard. The last telephone conversation
I can recall having with Alexei was at the point he had
to decide whether to enter the Leeds Piano Competition
or perform at the same time in Athens. He could not do
both. I advised him to take the Athens gig and he did.
I
knew from these contacts that you and he discovered that
you must take over his artistic management. That, not
Alexei gifts, were what needed fixing. And just as you
discovered your own talents for this work, the disaster
struck.
It
has been during this terrible time you have become even
more than Alexei could ever have imagined. Everyone who
knows you wonders if they themselves have the character,
the courage, the stamina, and the will to take on what
you had did. We mortals are weak. You are not. You set
an example of behavior, of love and devotion, that
humble all of us. In a world full of cowardice, broken
promises, dishonor, you have, through your behavior
stood out like a giant.
We
did not see Alexei after the stroke. You and he remain
in our minds just as you were when we were together.
Alexeis gift of a red Tashkent tea service remains in
our library, together with your gift of a book of the
woods of your home country. Alexeis gift of a small
knife remains on my desk. On my piano, I still have
Alexeis notations on how he merged the two editions of
the Rachmaninoff Second Sonata into one. And you and he
remain in our hearts and minds. In this way your lives
go on with us, together, for as long as we shall live..
As
others will say more often than you want to hear, you
have finished your greatest work. You need time now to
heal, to again begin at the beginning, to find new
goals. As this process enfolds, Alexei will not vanish.
He will continue with you always.
With
Love
Charles and Jane Ervin
8.2005
Diane Smiley
I
first knew of Alexei when he won the Van Cliburn in
1989. Beverly Archibald and I heard him play soon after
when he performed with the Fort Worth Symphony. He was
so dynamic and enthusiastic! The audience was
captivated.
The
next I knew of him personally was through Beverly, who
was a friend of Dace and Alexei. Dace had been in her
English-as-a-Second-Language Class at Texas Wesleyan
University, and she had renewed their acquaintance when
she learned Alexei was in the hospital after his stroke.
I had lived away for some time and moved back in the
summer of 2004. I had the privilege of meeting the
Sultanovs because of our mutual friendship with Beverly.
As a
pianist, I was awed by Alexi's talent during his concert
career. Knowing him over the past year, I was also awed
by his determination and talent, as he and Dace
performed for groups in and around Fort Worth, with his
playing the piano with his right hand while she either
played the left hand or accompanied on the cello. Their
programs were very entertaining and uplifting.
He
touched many people with his talent, both as he played
solo concerts and as he played with his beloved wife,
Dace.
Diane Smiley
08.2005
Gregory Hrivnak
The first
time I saw Alexei was on the 1989 broadcast of the 8th
Van Cliburn competition Here to Make Music. I may not
have much talent with respect to playing the piano, but
my ear is pretty good. And it took only a short time
watching the competition to realize that Alexei was in a
class by himself. The fact that he was only a teenager
made the experience even more amazing. Alexei exhibited
an amazing and formidable virtuosity with seeming ease,
as well as a profound emotional connection with the
music. I have not seen anything like it since. And of
course, I was not at all surprised when Alexei won the
competition. Jury members had commented that their main
goal was to choose the right person as the winner, not
merely the person who offended the least number of
people. Well, Alexei was certainly the right winner
in 1989.
As all his
fans know, Alexeis genius manifested beyond music. I
taught conversational English in Japan for several
years, and I know how difficult English is to learn as a
second language. Yet Alexei mastered English in only a
few months. Physically, his achievement of 3 Dan in
martial arts is no less amazing.
Listening
to Alexeis CDs is frequently an awe-inspiring
experience for me as well. It seems virtually
impossible that human fingers can execute the rapid
passages of Dance Macabre, which Alexei played so
effortlessly. And the emotional power that Alexei
demonstrates in his recordings (and in the 8th
Cliburn) of Rachmaninoffs Etude Tableau (Opus 39 #5)
is truly incredible. As Alexei had said, To create
something new with the music, you must let it pass
through you. You must be touched by the music. No
one has demonstrated that statement better than Alexei
himself.
Regrettably, I was never able to meet Alexei in person.
But through DVDs of his performances, interviews,
newspaper articles, and e-mails from Dace & friends, it
feels as though I did know him in a way. Alexeis great
talent and courage have definitely impacted my life.
Since Alexei was the youngest person to win the Cliburn,
Ive often thought of him as the Tiger Woods of
piano. Personally, I think that he was one of, if not
the most talented prodigy of the piano in the last half
century, perhaps more. Tiger Woods can miss a putt, or
drive erratically from time to time and still maintain
his supremacy. But a classical pianist must perform
flawlessly, playing the most complex music with
precision and artistic expression. One audible slip,
and its barbecue time for the critics, and a career may
be in jeopardy. If Tiger Woods suffered an injury like
Alexeis, it would make world news. Yet which really
requires more talent and training to reach the highest
levelspiano or golf? The former, I think. And anyone
who has studied piano seriously for at least a few years
knows this to be true.
The
inherent inequities in our society with respect to
talent and hard work vs. financial reward are often a
source of dismay. Even a mediocre professional golfer
probably earns several times that of the best classical
soloists. And then, there is the ultimate example: the
pampered multimillionaire movie actors and other sports
athletes. But these inequities became far more
upsetting after reading about Alexeis injury and
subsequent medical costs. Alexei had more musical
talent in his little finger than all the pop stars
combined, who each paradoxically make millions of
dollars with their music. Well, no one said life is
fair, but some things are just not right. An artist
with Alexeis talent and training should not have to
struggle to pay for medical costs. The Alexei
Sultanov Foundation will definitely help to solve
that. Hopefully, our government will follow suit.
As Mme.
Popovich said, There is only one Alexei. And for all
of Alexeis family, friends, and fans, Alexei will never
be forgotten, and his music will live forever.
Greg
Hrivnak
Paterson,
New Jersey
01 August
2005
08.2005
Alise Zvaigzne
Shajaa
veestulee es tev uzraxtiishu savas atminjas no
Aljosha!!! Un taas ir ljoti daudz manupraat!!!
Galveniokaart man ir atminjas no Daugmales, kaa Aljosha
taisiija shpagatu..un vienmeer arii atceros, kaa Aljosha
izgriezh acu plaxtinjus otraadaak!!! Veel es atceros,
kaa tu ar Aljoshu mums abaam ar Eliinu taisiijaat deju
konkursu...atceros...Eliinas iesauka tajaa bija
suzuki..saveejo neatceros..! Bet atminjaa palicis, kaa
juus abi to organizeejaat!!Nekad neaizmirsiishu to, ka
Aljosha atri ar manu teeti paarpeldeeja paari Daugavai
un kaa mees peec tam gaajaam pakalj laivai uz kaut kaadu
maaju, lai dabuutu vinjus atpakalj...bet vinji abi jau
paspeeja atpeldeet atpakalj pashu speekiem!! Atceros kaa
juus ar Aljoshu taisiijaat supergarshiigus plovus!! Man
veel joprojaam garsha ir mutee! Ir ljoti daudz labas,
jaukas atminjas!!! Peedeejaa laikaa par sho visu naacies
daudz domaat un paarrunaat!!!
miiljas bu4as visiem1!!!!!
Aliska!!
Translation
In this
letter I will write you my memories about Aljosha!
Mainly, I have a memory from Daugmale, where Alexei was
doing martial arts splits ... and I always remember how
Alexei turned inside out his eyelids. And then I
remember how you (Dace) with Aljosha organized for me
and Elina the dance competition.....and that Elina's
nickname was suzuki...but I don't recall mine. And I
will never forget how Aljosha, together with my dad, did
a fast swim across the Daugava river, and how we went to
the neighbors house to lend the boat in order to get
them back.....but they already managed not only to swim
back with ease , but telling jokes and laughing on the
way back. I remember how Aljosha was cooking numerous
times the super delicious plov (the Uzbekish rice,
vegetable, lamb dish). I still feel that delicious taste
in my mouth! So many great memories! Lately, I think and
discuss a lot about all of this. Kisses to you! Aliska
07.2005
Rano
Хакимбаевa
Мои
воспоминания об Алеше Султанове.
Мне
посчастливилось узнать этого Гения еще ребёнком. Тогда
я, сама будучи 12 летней девочкой, пришла со своей
подругой Наргис к её дяде Ф.А. Султанову домой. Так как
Наргисе нужно было готовиться к академконцерту в школе,
а программа у неё не была готова. Вот по этой причине
мама Наргис и отправила нас к её дяде, который был
педагогом по классу виолончели, а супруга его
Н.М.Погорелова, педагогом по классу скрипки. Таким
образом, я впервые оказалась в доме Султановых. Тогда
Алеше было где-то около двух лет.
Для Наргис
занятия на фортепиано были настоящей китайской пыткой, и
играла она через силу - кое- как. В какой-то фразе Баха
она жутко соврала, и тогда, Алешка, сидевший на горшке,
сказал, чтобы она не фальшивила и очень чистенько,
тоненьким детским голосочком пропел эту фразу. Для меня
тогда это было просто потрясением! Чтобы двух летний
ребеночек, знал - как это должно звучать, и так чисто
пропеть!!!
Конечно, с
возрастом я поняла силу гения Леши, но именно тот первый
день знакомства стал для меня открытием.
Позже об Алеше стали
слагать легенды, его часто показывали по телевидению на
всевозможных правительственных концертах и он
-
такой маленький, с копной
длинных волнистых волос, почти стоя из-за маленького
росточка, так как ему было всего-то 8-9 лет - блестяще
играл Бетховена, Моцарта. Позже были Шопен, Прокофьев,
Клементи.
Следующая
моя встреча состоялась опять таки через Наргис уже в
1987 году в Москве, где я уже жила. Она приехала на
практику, а Алеша учился на первом курсе Московской
консерватории и жил в общяге на Малой Грузинской. Это
был уже пылкий юноша со всей страстностью своих 18 лет.
Мы с
Наргис опоздали на концерт Алеши в школе искусств
Балакирева и прошли за сцену, чтобы послушать его. А
Алеша, как он нам потом объяснил, увидев на крышке рояля
отражение Наргис, сыграл «Аппассионату» в совершенно
бешенном темпе. Эта была потрясающая встреча брата и
сестры! Мне тогда открылся совершенно иной живой, то
есть не ходячая легенда, а очень весёлый,
жизнерадостный, добрый и великодушный Алеша Султанов.
Как-то
Наргис меня пригласила на концерт Алеши, в какой-то
(сейчас я уже не помню) музыкальной школе. Я пришла со
своим сыном, которому шел 4-й год. На первом отделении
Алеша играл Шопена, а во втором Сонату Прокофьева. Мой
сын, к сожалению, из-за своего возраста, не выдержал
напора Прокофьева, и мне пришлось слушать Лешу за дверью
зала. Но зато, в финале концерта во время аплодисментов,
мой сын Джаватик с гордостью, как олимпийский факел
пронес через весь зал Алеше букет алых тюльпанов. И
Алеша, не смотря на то, что ему нельзя было поднимать
тяжести, из-за перенесенной не так давно желтухи, поднял
моего довольно-таки упитанного сына высоко на руки
вместе с цветами. Для него никогда не существовали рамки
запрета. Он всегда их ломал. Так как был человеком
свободного полета, не принимающего условностей.
Прошло
много лет, и вот в ноябре 1999 года мы были в Ташкенте и
опять по приглашению Наргис, нам удалось попасть на
концерты Алеши в Ташкенте. На концерте 19 ноября были
мой сын с племянником, а на следующий день мы с сестрой
и племянниками пошли в киноконцертный зал Туркестан, где
Алеша давал сольный концерт в память своей бабушки
народной артистки Узбекистана Замиры Хидоятовой. Это
было неизгладимое впечатление! Буря, натиск, ураган
сменялись тихим, нежным, ласкающим слух чарующими
звуками музыки льющихся из под его пальцев.
Мой сын с
гордостью говорил своим кузинам и кузену, что лично
знаком с «дядь Лёшей», так он его с детства называл. А
племянник Акмаль, юноша никогда не признававший
классическую музыку, был потрясен исполнением Второго
концерта Рахманинова, и стал ярым поклонником Алеши. На
всю жизнь сохранили программку этого концерта с
автографом Алёши.
Алеша
остался навсегда с нами, не только со мной и моим сыном,
но и со всеми, кто хоть один раз соприкоснулся с его
Гением, с теми, кто его знает и любит!
Огромное
спасибо его брату Сереже и Саше Томасу, за то, что они
подарили всем Алешу Султанова через сайт «Форума»
живого, яркого, блестящего Пианиста! Чем больше нас
соберется вокруг Алеши, тем ярче будет гореть его
звезда!
Рано и
Джаватик Хакимбаевы.
28.07.05
г.
English
Translation
I was
lucky to get to know this Genius when he was a little
child. Then, as a 12 year old girl, together with my
girlfriend Nargis, I came to visit her uncle Faizul
Sultanov at his home. Since Nargis had to prepare for
her school concert, the program she has to perform there
,was not ready. And this is why Nargisa's Mom send us to
see her uncle, who was a cello teacher, and his wife
Natalia Pogorelova was a violin teacher. This is the
way, how I visited Sultanov's residence for the first
time. At that time Aljosha was 2 years old.
For
Nargis, practicing the piano was a real torture, and it
took a lot of effort for her to play somehow. While
playing Bach piece, one phrase got totally out of
course, and Aljosha , who was sitting nearby, said to
Nargis to not to play off the key, and with his clean
tiny child's voice sang this phrase perfectly. For me
that was just stunning . The two year old child knows-
how this piece has to sound, and how perfect he sang,
wow!
Certainly,
with the age I understood the power of Alexei's genius,
but precisely that first day of our acquaintance was a
discovery for me.
Later,
there were legends composed about Aljosha, he was shown
a lot on TV from all kinds of government concerts, and
he - that tiny, with long wavy hair, almost standing
because of his short height, and since he was only 8 - 9
years old - brilliantly played Beethoven, Mozart. Later
it was Chopin, Prokofiev, Clementi.
My next
encounter took place, again through Nargis, now in
Moscow in 1987, where I was living at that time. She
came for practical experience, and Aljosha was studying
at the Moscow Conservatory and was living in dormitory
on Malaja Gruznskaja Street. This was already a fiery
young man with all the passion of his 18 years.
Since we
arrived late for Alexei's concert at the Balakirev's
School of Arts, we walked behind the stage in order to
listen him play. And Aljosha, how he explained to us
later, when he saw the reflection of Nargis on the piano
lid, played "Appassionata" in completely furious tempo.
That was a marvelous reunion of brother and sister
(cousin's)! And then I discovered completely another -
alive, not just a walking legend ,but very happy,
buoyant , kind and magnanimous Aljosha Sultanov.
One time
Nargis invited me to Alexei's concert at a local music
school . I came with my son, who was 4 then. In first
half Alexie played some Chopin pieces, and in the second
half he played the Prokofiev's Sonata #7. Because of his
age, my son unfortunately did not tolerated the pressure
of Porkofiev, and that's why I had to listed Aljosha's
performance behind the door in the hallway. But at the
end of the concert, during the applause, my son Dzavat
very proudly, like Olympic torch, carried through the
hall a bouquet of scarlet tulips. And Alexei, did not
pay attention to the fact that he just recovered from an
illness, and was advised not to lift heavy things, did
carry high up my pretty well-fed son, in his arms
together with the bouquet. For Alexei, there were never
existing the frames of ban. He would always brake them.
Because he was a man of free flying, and not accepting
any indications.
Many years
went by, and during November of 1999 we were in
Tashkent, and again with invitation from Nargis, we were
able to attend Alexei's concerts in Tashkent. On
November 19th, my son and his cousin went to the
concert, but the next day me, my sister and cousins went
to the concert hall Turkestan, where Aljosha gave a
recital in his grandmother's , the famous actress of
Uzbekistan Zamira Xidojatova. It was an indelible
impression! The storm, charge, hurricane are replaced by
the quite, gentle, delightful hearing of a charming
sound of music -flowing under his fingers.
My son
proudly tells all his cousins that he personally knows
"uncle Aljosha", that's how he calls him since his
childhood. But nephew Akmalj, the young man who never
liked classical music, was so impressed and moved by
Alexei's performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #2
, that he became a big fan of Alexei forever. We will
always treasure the programs with Alexei's autoghraph.
Alexei
will always be with us, not only with me and my son, but
with all who ,even if once, touched his Genius, with
those who knows him and loves him! Thank you so much to
his brother Serjozja and Sasha Thomas, for giving us the
opportunity to listen to recordings of Aljosha Sultanov
- the brilliant, bright, alive Pianist! More there will
be gathered of us around Alexei, more his star will be
shining!
Rano and
Dzavat Xakimbajevi July 28,2005
7.2005 Jon Wilcox
Susan and I offten celebrated life with Alexei and Dace
at Bella Italia restaurant. One night a group of
Japanese tourists where there and for some reason, I
can't remember why, Alexei and Dace were decked out in
cowboy and cowgirl outfits.
The
Japanese wanted pictures of real cowboys and of course
Alexei and Dace obliged. Little did they know these real
cowboys were an Uzbek pianist and a Latvian cellist.
I
believe he spent considerably more money on others than
he did on himself. He was a classic restaurant check
fighter. We often ate at Bella Italia and the fighting
over the check was really getting out of hand. So one
night, Susan and I arrived quite early and made
arrangements that no bill would be presented. Alexei
just could not let this pass. After dinner he drove off,
but returned in a few minutes and demanded the check be
presented to him - of course, he got his way. Perhaps
that is why Alexei's photo is on the wall there but mine
is not.
In
1990, the final year of the Soviet Union and before the
firm establishment of real estate as private property,
Alexei managed to "buy" an appartment fairly close to
central Moscow. He never lived in the appartment.
Instead, he moved his entire family from a cramped space
in a distant suburb to this great location in the city.
This transaction was conducted on faith alone, with a
significant sum of Dutch Guilders wired directly to a
numbered account in Holland. The previous tenants had
quietly moved to Holland and were "selling" their
abandoned Moscow appartment. Much to my amazement, it
all worked and the Moscow Sultanov's reside there to
this day.
His
generosity, sometimes reckless, was entirely genuine and
I'm certain he expected nothing in return. Even when
their money was gone, Dace and Alexei continued to focus
on giving back to the community. Dace, we thank you so
much for sharing Alexei with us under very difficult
circumstances - you have shown all of us how to
celebrate life.
7.2005 from Mary Lou McVicker
Unfortunately, I never met Alexei nor Dace in person
however, I was intrigued by them from the start. All
four of my grandparents came to this country from
overseas, and became citizens of the United States, just
as they did.
Alexei was fortunate to live in the wonderful world of
music, and he lives on through his recordings and his
many friends.
God
Bless
Mary
Lou McVicker
7.2005 from Beverly Archibald
I was
privileged to be a player in the last act of Alexeis
time among us. This testimony is to his indomitable
spirit as he began, in the spring of 2004, to entertain
again in nursing homes, hospitals and schools.
With
Alexei playing the right hand and Dace providing the
left on the keyboard, or accompanying him on the cello,
they reached out together as a single splendid
instrument to bring a message of encouragement and
inspiration. Here are some comments from people who
heard them play.
Christmas Eve, 2004, a
local hospital:
I was visiting in ICU and was very blessed to hear you
and Dace play for everyone. What a wonderful Christmas
present for all who were there. It touched all of us at
a really low moment.
February 2005, Tarrant
County College:
They presented a reality that we often try to shield
ourselves from. His determination to continue to
pursue his love of music combined with her courage and
devotion to him is a timeless love story that begs to be
told.
March 2005 Stroke Support Group:
Your message both
through your music and your words of never giving up,
of always persevering, could not help but inspire
everyone you meet. You are both beautiful witnesses to
the human spirit.
April 2005 Seniors Luncheon:
Alexei, you had many
years of entertaining and inspiring untold numbers of
people with your exceptional talent and heart. But now
the two of you are, in my opinion, making a difference
in the lives of people in a totally different and more
meaningful way. Your spirit, your determination, your
attitude of never giving up, your desire to share what
you have, your obvious deep love and devotion for each
other these are qualities that the world yearns for
and needs to experience through people like you.
May 2005 Nursing Home: I
was privileged today to witness the valiant spirit of
two remarkable people. Many would have given up in
defeat when faced with the tragedy of Alexeis
debilitating stokes and yet, here you are, sharing
your talents for making beautiful music with many who
might never have heard you otherwise.
June 10, 2005,
Alzheimer Facility: Several of our
residents got very emotional and cried when you played.
Your story touched our hearts. You both are such an
inspiration to all of us.
Alexei and
Dace felt strongly that he was a living example of what
people could do to overcome adversity. He wanted to
encourage others to work hard to rise above their
so-called limitations.
Their
motto and their mantra of Never Give Up resonated with
all who heard them.
7.2005
from Susan Wilcox
Alexei
brought Dace to Fort Worth for the first time in October
1990 on a tourist visa.
Toward the
end of the month, Alexei started talking about her
staying in Fort Worth with him - even if it meant she
was here illegally. Jon and I told Alexei that wasn't an
option. His choice was to get married or Jon would put
her on the plane himself!
Both
Alexei and Dace said that they were soul mates and they
didn't need a piece of paper. They would be together
forever.
It's
October 30, 1990, the day before we are putting Dace on
the plane back to Moscow.
Early that
day Dace, Alexei and I went to Dallas to see a top notch
immigration attorney. Alexei just knew Henry would find
a way to keep Dace here without a marriage certificate.
He was certain!
Well....after a lengthy consultation, Henry said "You
must be married with a legal certificate for her to
stay. Otherwise, she is on the plane." As we got into
the car, you could see the wheels turning in his head.
As we headed west on Interstate 30, Alexei said those
magic words, "I want to get married!"
Now the
wheels in my head started to turning. We drove straight
to the Tarrant County Courthouse and told Dace to smile
and say yes to any question that was asked. And, that
very afternoon, we:
* Got a
marriage certificate
* Went
before a district judge and got the 3 day waiting period
waived and
* Got a
justice of the peace to marry them. While Dace smiled
and said yes, she understood English,
* Yes she
was doing this willingly, and yes she wanted to get
married.
Alexei,
always the prankster, said let's not tell Jon. So, we
bought some champagne and when Jon got home Alexei told
the story about the visit to the attorney and not
wanting to get married and Jon kept repeating that he
was personally going to put Dace on the plane tomorrow.
When he could stand it no longer, Alexei said very
seriously, he had received a piece of paper and wanted
Jon to translate it. He handed Jon the marriage
certificate.
There were
tears of shock, tears of joy and the champagne flowed.
What a great day!
7.2005
Dr. Ed Kramer
I first met Alexei back in 1995 in a hospital
here in Fort Worth. Hed had what often is
referred to as a small stroke. If ever there
was an oxymoron. I asked him when I entered
the room, How are you this morning? to
which he replied, Im okay
but the
whole world is upset. I didnt know much
about him at the time, so his remark struck me
as being a little braggadocio. Well, I
soon came to find out he wasnt at all
exaggerating: the hospital switchboard was
deluged by calls coming in from all over the
world, everyone anxiously inquiring about his
health. Dace took me aside and informed me who
he was, highlighting his musical
accomplishments. And then she gave me two of his
CDs Dace, you know, has this way of producing
CDs out of thin air the way magicians pull coins
out of childrens ears. She gave me the Chopin
and the Rachmaninov. And Alexei even inscribed
them: Dear Dr. Kramer, thank you very much
for trying to understand me completely.
Thankfully, he didnt task me with understanding
him completely, just trying to.
Well, that night I listened to the two discs as
I have many times since. Within moments of
listening to that first piece -- Chopins Scherzo No. 1 in B minor -- I knew someone
very special had taken hold of me. The next day,
I expressed my admiration for his music, and
then demonstrated for Alexei a simple fingering
exercise he could use as therapy. He
immediately brightened up, recognizing it as the
Rubinstein exercises, the same
exercises, apparently, that Arthur Rubinstein
had used to enhance his digital dexterity.
Thereafter, Alexei applied himself to his
rehabilitation with great dedication, as he did
with most of the major challenges in his life
con brio
and, as he would like to say,
with eggs on top! Soon, he regained full
use of his right hand, and was able to resume
playing with all of his customary fire and
brilliance. Perhaps even more so. A brush with
your own mortality can have that effect. It
wasnt long before the Sultanovs became an
integral part of our family. After all these
years, Alexei, I still dont understand you completely. But I continue trying.
How Dr. Zultanov stopped the plane. In
1991, while flying home from Germany where hed
just recorded his first Chopin CD, Alexei was
stricken with appendicitis. Five years after
the appendectomy, in 1996, while flying to
Europe for a concert tour, an 8-year-old girl
aboard his flight began complaining of belly
pain. The flight attendant checked among the
passengers to see if anyone was a physician.
When no one owned up to it, Alexei picked up his
blood pressure monitor that he carried with him
then nearly everywhere in those days, walked up
the aisle, and introduced himself as Doctor
Sultanov. (The flight attendant mangled the
name somewhat and kept referring to him
thereafter as Doctor Zultanov.)
Well, Dr. Zultanov, relying on his own personal
experience as a patient to guide him, examined
the child fever, pain elicited by compression
of the right lower quadrant -- and once having
satisfied himself of the diagnosis of
appendicitis, he ordered the flight attendant to
land the plane -- immediately!
Impossible! she exclaimed. But
impossible was not in Dr. Zultanovs lexicon.
We have to save the girl! he
declared. The flight attendant finally
let him speak with the captain and somehow Dr.
Zultanov persuaded him to land the plane in
Toronto. As they often were, Alexeis
instincts had been absolutely correct: the
childs appendix had indeed been right on the
verge of rupturing. Thus, Alexei narrowly
averted a potentially lethal case of
peritonitis. I dont think, however, that Dr.
Zultanov ever sent anyone a bill.
After hed fully recovered from his first
stroke, Alexei was invited to play a piano
recital honoring a retiring board member of the
Dallas Symphony. The recital was to be held at
the home of one of the patrons. In the living
room where the recital was to take place stood
an old relic of a Steinway grand piano
probably circa 1920. Despite all prior
assurances that the piano was in tip-top
condition, once Alexei began his warm up
routine, it was instantly obvious that it was
woefully out of tune. The owner, however, who
seemed not to notice, pointed to it with pride
and said, George Gershwin, you know, once
played on this piano. and then asked in a
rather condescending tone, You do
know who George Gershwin was, dont you?
Alexei tossed off a riff from The Rhapsody In
Blue and deadpanned, Yes, I know
Gershwin, but has it been tuned since he
played? Perhaps he was channeling the
spirits of Gershwin and Oscar Levant that
day, because somehow Alexei managed to coax from
that old piano a spellbinding performance.
Fresh mushrooms. Alexei loved them. In 1998, my
wife and I had the best time of our lives,
vacationing with the Sultanovs in Moscow and St.
Petersburg, and then with Daces family in
Latvia. We made a day trip to Skunjias,
the Abeles lovely farm outside of Riga. Tall
woods lay all around the farmhouse. Alexei had a
legendary knack for finding perfect mushrooms.
And so, while Daces mom Benita scurried
barefoot around their rustic kitchen preparing
the meal, and her father Janas showed us all
around the property, Alexei put on his favorite
straw hat specially reserved for his mushroom
hunting expeditions, and, with a good sharp
pocket knife and a little bucket in hand, he
disappeared into the deep woods. He returned
around dusk with a bucketful of the most
delicious mushrooms you ever tasted. I think
personally he liked mushroom hunting better than
practicing the piano.
Latvia, as you may know, is renowned for its
jewel-like amber. Alexei and Dace took us to the
Ethnographic Outdoor Museum one day. Just
outside the park was a gift shop with a
spectacular selection of amber. After we got
through looking around and making a few small
purchases, we went back outside. Alexei caught
up with us a short time later. While innocently
walking through this beautiful park, Alexei told
Dace he thought he saw an interesting mushroom
under a bush and asked her to retrieve it for
him. Dace dutifully got down on all fours and
crawled into the bushes. Almost immediately came
this loud squeal of surprise, and she emerged
with that exquisite amber necklace shes wearing
tonight: her Mushroom."
We all wish we could have had him with us
longer. A lot longer. Thank God, though,
we have so many wonderful memories of Alexei
all the giggles and belly laughs and naughty
impish ways, his warmth and generosity, his
brilliant intellect, his love and friendship.
And, of course, that music
that glorious
music. So, although the world may indeed be
upset, Alexei would have us know that
hes
okay. Hes with Dace always
and with us
with
some occasional trips into the woods somewhere
nearby
with his hat and his little bucket,
seeking the perfect mushroom.
7.2005
Jean Witten
One of my
favorite moments of Alexei took place on my 73rd
birthday. One and a half month after I had lost my
husband, I wasn't in a very festive mood, but Dace and
Alexei were having a gathering at their house for
Christmas. My birthday is Dec.22. Dace was so excited
telling Donna " they " had a big surprise for her. We
were gathered together in the music room...Alexei was
placed at his beautiful piano. Suddently the notes of
"Happy Birthday" came pulling over the room plus a host
of other Christmas Songs.
I will
never forget that rendention of Happy Birthdayso freely
given by a young man with a beautiful smile and his dark
eyes. I got to know Alexei much better, and found out
that he loved Chocolate cakes and cookies.
He was a
wonderful, warm person in spite of all his handicaps,
and the world has truly lost as Artist.
Love -
Jean Witten
7.2005 from Luc Mouttet
(1999)
Im a relative of Dace family and
Ive had the luck to meet Alexei few years ago before
his accident. Ill keep in my memory the smile of this
eternal teenager with long hair. I remember to have
spent a special night by climbing on the roof of his
house with my wife, Dace and him. Then we have looked at
the stars, drunk red wine and ask themselves about
future before to have long discussions about life.
Alexei has joined the stars in the
sky and he has let us his music to light our hearts when
sky is cloudy.
Aliosha, many thanks for this
meeting.
Luc
7.2005
from Alexei Moshkov
Dlja menja
lichno net pianista vyshe chem on. On byl nastojaschim
javleniem v iskusstve - vne vremeni, vne geografii.
Takie muzykanty pojavljajutsja, verojatno, ochen'-ochen'
redko... On vspyhnul kak zvezda i za svoi 35 let
prozhil emozional'no polnuju zhizn', otpuschennuju
kazhdomu iz nas, prostyh smertnyh. Tut chto-to so
vremenem... Ne znaju, ne ukladyvaetsja v golove.
Dlja menja
on vsegda ostanetsja Sultanovym, Sultanchikom, Leshkoj,
s ego zarazitel'nym smehom i pronzitel'nym vzgljadom.
Alexei
English
Translation
For me
personally there is no pianist above than Alexei. He was
a genuine phenomenon in Art - not in time, and not in
geography.
Such
musicians appear , probably, very very seldom...He
blazed up like a star and during his 35 years he lived
emotionally life to the fullest, given everyone of us
mere mortals. There is something with the time....
Don't know, it does not fit in my head. For me he will
always be Sultanov, Sultanchik, Aljoshka, with his
infectious laughter and piercing glance... Alexei
7.2005
from Guzal Tagijeva
Мои впечатления, связанные
с
Алексеем Султановым.
моя
первая встреча с этим замечательным музыкантом, гением
Алексеем Султановым состоялась в ноябре 1999 года. Тогда
он после многолетнего перерыва снова посетил Ташкент со
своими незабываемыми концертами и мастер-классами. Как
сейчас помню даты этих концертов -18 и 22 ноября. На
первом концерте он играл 1 Концерт П. Чайковского и 2
концерт С.Рахманинова; а на втором сольные произведения.
До сих пор помню, как тогда творилось в зале что-то
невероятное, публика до последнего не отпускала Алексея
и он на «десерт» исполнил с блеском «бисы».
На тот
момент я была ученицей 10 класса по классу фортепиано
школы имени В.А. Успенского. С именем Алексея Султанова
я была знакома с детства. По-моему, не было человека,
который бы не знал Алексея. Даже мои, неискушённые в
музыке, родители были знакомы с его искусством. Я
настолько часто слышала об Алексее, что моей мечтой
тогда было услышать, наконец, его исполнение вживую. До
этого я была знакома только с записями, которые
предоставляли мой педагог Татьяна Николаевна Сотникова и
Михаил Петрович Воронов. Это были два диска и
аудиокассета, которые Алексей прислал Михаилу Петровичу
с дарственной подписью. Необыкновенный звук, лёгкость и
логичность исполнения, совершенство формы,
безукоризненная техника поразили меня после
прослушивания. Я читала много газетных статей, интервью
Алексея Султанова. Много слышала различных рассказов о
нём, о его творческом росте от людей, знавших его с
самого раннего детства.
Наступил
1999 год, и моя мечта сбылась. Помнится, с каким
трепетом мы все ждали этих концертов. Публика была в
предвкушении
И когда Алексей Султанов вышел на сцену,
мы буквально все замерли. Он ещё не начал играть, а то
как он выходил, его энергетика уже заворожило зал.
Затем, первые аккорды Второго Концерта Рахманинова и
музыка полилась. Мы все были во власти искусства
Алексея. Его музыка была обращена от сердца к сердцам
многочисленных людей, которые имели счастье
присутствовать тогда на его концертах. Это были поистине
Исторические Концерты, которые мы до сих пор не можем
забыть и никогда уже не забудем. Публика была ошеломлена
и поражена!!!
Затем, он
давал мастер-классы в Консерватории и в школе
Успенского. Я смогла попасть только лишь на мастер-класс
в школе Успенского. Люди просто ломились, чтоб попасть
на этот мастер-класс. Не хватало мест, люди стояли...
Такого количества народа школа Успенского ещё не помнила
за всю свою историю существования. Было очень интересно
то, как он занимался с учениками школы, а потом сам
сыграл «Вариации на тему Кармен» Бизе-Горовиц.
Виртуознейшее произведение было исполнено на высоте. И
снова были нескончаемые овации. Потом, в кабинете
директора выстроилась огромная очередь на получение
автографа Алексея Султанова. Я никогда не забуду этот
день, это был четверг. И мне тоже посчастливилось взять
у него автограф. Он ещё хранится у меня, это бесценная
память о нём. Вскоре Алексей уехал, но он, его искусство
навсегда осталось в нашем сердце. Я заболела его
искусством, он стал самым ярким моим примером сильного
волевого Человека и Музыканта. Когда я узнала, что он
тяжело заболел, я сильно переживала и до последнего
верила и надеялась, что он всё-таки вернётся в мир
искусства.
Я была в
шоке, когда узнала о его кончине. Ведь это не только
утрата его семьи, это утрата для всего Мира, личная
потеря и горе для каждого. Для меня он был, есть и будет
Самым Лучшим Пианистом Мира. Он-наша гордость!!!
Спасибо
Тебе, Алексей, за Тебя, за Твоё искусство, за те
бесценные и незабываемые минуты, которые Ты нам
подарил.
Гузаль
Тагиева.
7.2005 from Eileen Siegel
(1991)
I have many interesting
memories of Alexei. He had a great sense of humor. I
remember how competitive he was the time we played the
card game "spit" and we both tried to cheat.
Or the time we were having dinner with the lady in
Virginia who had arranged the concert. I kept telling
her that Alexei could speak English, but this lady kept
asking me questions about him instead of asking Alexei
himself. And Alexei didn't react, interrupt, or move a
muscle, even when I gave her the most ridiculous answers
to the questions. For example, she asked me if Alexei
drives. I said, "He does." "What did he drive in
Russia?" she asked. "A bulldozer," I replied. Alexei
just sat there stonefaced, until the lady went to the
rest room. Then Alexei laughed so hard he almost fell
out of his chair. But by the time she came back, he was
sitting there, inscrutable, like a sphinx.
But probably the most memorable was the time when Alexei
was playing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with an
orchestra in northern Michigan.
My violin teacher and I came to hear him. (I believe you
were there, too, Dace.)
The audience was covered by a tent; and the orchestra
was covered by a tent. But between the two tents, there
was about a space of 6 inches.
A few minutes into the piece, it started thundering and
lightning. Then the sky opened up, and it started to
pour. The water rushed off both tents at an angle, right
into the 6-inch opening, sending a deluge like Niagra
Falls right down next to Alexei. The conductor didn't
know what to do. The orchestra pulled back further onto
the stage. Alexei did not even seem to react to the
flood of water that was pouring down on him. He just
kept playing. I think if the whole tent had collapsed
around him, Alexei still would have made it to the end
of the piece, which he did, to great applause.
(Unfortunately, on the tape the sound of the deluge
drowned out a lot of the music!)
I don't think I have ever seen any other musician with
such nerves of steel. I was always struck with Alexei's
singlemindedness and ability to concentrate under
tremendous pressure.
When Alexei finished the "Niagra Falls" concert, he was
completely soaked. "What a performer!" my teacher said.
He dried himself off and was kind enough to give my
teacher and me a ride to the reception in a golf cart --
a ride which my teacher remembered to the end of her
life.
When we got to the reception, she said, "Wasn't that an
exciting ride? What a driver!"
An exciting performer. An exciting driver. An exciting
person. That's how I want to remember Alexei.
Eileen
7.2005 from Stalker
Hommage ΰ
Alexey Sultanov
Его больше нет с нами, он в пантеоне, среди гениальных
пианистов двадцатого века. Многие, не только я один,
восприняли его уход как личную потерю. Масштаб его
дарования стал ясен еще задолго до его смерти, пожалуй,
со времени его участия в конкурсе им. П.И.Чайковского,
когда его феноменальное исполнение Седьмой Прокофьева
буквально наэлектризовало и взорвало атмосферу в зале и
с этого времени для многих осталось эталоном. Как видим,
прошло даже не так уж много времени, но его
непрохождение в третий тур тогда перестало быть хоть
сколько-нибудь значимым и для него, и для нас. Скорее,
это недопущение до участия в третьем туре А.Султанова и
стало той основной характеристикой конкурса, после
которого его престиж фатально упал. Я бы рискнул
утверждать, что это, наверное, и закономерно было,
поскольку его талант «не вписывался» в этот конкурс.
Действительно, принадлежит ли А.Султанов к так
называемой «русской школе»? Само по себе это столь
распространенное в Европе понятие представляется мне
изначально довольно сомнительным, поскольку порождает
громадное количество вопросов, среди которых главный,
что мы под ней подразумеваем? Я просто не знаю, имел ли
он какое-либо отношение к Московской консерватории, но
даже если и имел, и даже если мы вспомним, что
ташкентская пианистическая школа во многом возникла
благодаря московским педагогам и музыкантам, переехавшим
туда во время войны, то не это мне кажется определяющим
в формировании его таланта. Скорее, это была
сознательная ориентация на выдающихся
пианистов-виртуозов рахманиновской генерации, на
А.Зилоти, и, через него, на А. Рубинштейна и Ф.Листа.
Этим, пожалуй, отчасти объясняется его обращение к
транскрипциям Горовица: это был вызов самому себе,
стремление дойти до предела своих возможностей, чтобы их
ясно осознать, и, может быть даже, заглянуть за этот
предел. Необходимые для первоклассного пианиста
блестящая техника, яркий темперамент и неординарная
музыкальная мысль стали заметны уже к конкурсу им.
В.Клайберна. Он довольно быстро вышел из ученичества,
прошел период экспериментирования и уже в начале
девяностых годов стал зрелым пианистом.
То, что сближает А.Султанова с великими пианистами
первой половины двадцатого века это благородство,
это неведомо откуда взявшийся аристократизм. Думаю, что
в основе искреннее, бескомпромиссное отношение к себе
и к музыкальному тексту. Послушайте его Шопена и Листа:
можно сколько угодно не соглашаться с его динамикой, его
неожиданными акцентами, с его агогикой, казалось бы
«неуместной» и «неприемлемой», но у него
все звучит настолько убедительно, что трудно не признать
за ним права так играть. Как у Гофмана или
Рахманинова возникает головокружительная свобода в
интерпретации, переполненный жизнью музыкальный поток,
что сами по себе отпадают ученические вопросы а
соответствует ли это авторскому тексту и достаточно ли
аутентично выдержан стиль. Не это становится важным, а
сама возможность «впасть» в этот поток, дойти до
предельной глубины. И при этом не возникает никакого
ощущения «психологического эксгибиционизма», что нередко
на концертах некоторых нынешних «звезд». Далее, это его
воля, с которой он выстраивает свои
музыкальные концепции: ничего случайного, все под
контролем, нет никакого эмоционального перехлеста и
истерики, но ведь то, что он делает, это все на пределе,
действительно на пределе. И в этом, может, его главное
отличие от многих современных пианистов. А.Султанов не
боится риска, не боится «не туда» попасть, не боится
сорваться. В какой-то степени его игра это всегда
экстрим, подобно восхождению в горах: да, опасно, да,
предельный риск, но если есть уверенность в себе и в
своих силах, то и перспектива на вершине открывается
совершенно другая. Я не был никогда знаком с ним, не
видел его в годы болезни, но абсолютно уверен, что он
сохранил свою волю к жизни до конца. Затем, это
мощь его исполнения, мощь психологического и
волевого посыла, что и делает его интерпретацию столь
убедительной. Это свободная игра творческого духа в ясно
осознаваемом пространстве, это его элемент, его
естественная среда. Когда слушаешь его Шопена, Листа,
его Рахманинова, Прокофьева, Скрябина, то это наполняет
счастьем, потому как он поднимает нас на такой уровень,
где резко меняется перспектива и мы ощущаем бьющую через
край жизнь в давно заигранных вещах, и, наконец,
осознаем, что эта музыка его, и она уже
стала частью нашей жизни.
English
Translation
He is no
longer with us, he is in Pantheon among the genius
pianists of the 20th century. Many, not only me alone,
took his passing as a personal loss. The scale of his
talent became clear long before his death, probably, at
the times when he participated at the Tchaikovsky
competition, when his phenomenal performance of the
Prokofiev's Piano Sonata #7 literally electrified and
burst the atmosphere in the hall, and from this time for
many it became a model. As we see, that was not so long
ago, but by not letting Sultanov to the third round then
it stopped become even the least bit important for him,
and for us. More likely, by not allowing him to the
third round Sultanov became that fundamental
characterization of the competition, after which it's
prestige fatally dropped. I would risk to confirm, that
this, probably, was a pattern, because his talent "does
not blend" in this competition.
Truly,
does Alexei Sultanov belongs to the "Russian school"? On
it's own it's so widespread concept in Europe which
representation, to me, is primordially rather doubtful,
since it generates huge amounts of questions, among
which the most important is, what do we mean by it? I
just don't know, if he has any connection with the
Moscow Conservatory, but even if he did, and even if we
remember that the piano school of Tashkent in many ways
arise due to Moscow teachers and students, who moved
there during the war, I still think that this was not
the definite factor of forming his talent. Rather, it
was a deliberate orientation in outstanding virtuoso-
pianists of the Rachmaninoff generation, in A. Ziloti,
and through him, in A. Rubinshtein and F.Liszt. And
this, probably, partly explains his conversion to
transcriptions by Horowitz: that was a challenge for
oneself, aspiration to get to the limits of his
capabilities, in order to clearly realize, and maybe
even, to look beyond the limits. The necessities of the
first class pianist - the brilliant technique, bright
temperament and not extraordinary musical thinking
became noticeable already before the Cliburn
Competition. He quite quickly got out of the
apprenticeship, went through the experimentation period,
and already at the beginning of the 1990s became a
mature pianist.
The thing
what brings Sultanov closer to great pianists of the
first half of the 20th Century is - the nobility,
the ,there is no way of knowing from where it came,
aristocracy. I think that basically - the honest and
with no compromises relationship between himself and the
musical text. Listen to his Chopin and Liszt: you may
not agree with his dynamics, with his unexpected
accents, it would seem "it's not right" "it's not
acceptable", but everything he plays sounds so
much convincingly, that it is difficult to not to
acknowledge his rights to play this way. Like
Hoffman and Rachnmaninoff has the arise of head spinning
freedom of interpretations, with life overloaded musical
stream, where on itself the pupil's questions are no
longer relevant - but is it suitable to the author's
(composer's) text and is it enough authentically
consistent style. Not this become important, but the
availability itself "to flow" into this stream, to reach
the extreme depth. And in so doing , there is not any
feeling of "psychological exhibitionism" arising, what
is quite often seen at the concerts nowadays of some of
the "stars". Then, it is his will with which he
forms his musical conceptions: nothing by chance,
everything is under control, there are no emotional
overdo and hysteric, but after all, that what he is
doing, is within the extreme limits. And maybe that is
his most important difference from many contemporary
pianists. Sultanov is not afraid of taking the risks,
not afraid of "to get out of course" not afraid to come
loose. In some ways his playing is - always extreme,
like ascent the mountain: yes dangerous, yes, maximum
risk, but if there is a confidence in himself and in his
powers, then the perspective on the peak reveals
entirely different. I never new him personally, did not
see him during the years of illness, but I am absolutely
sure that he kept his will to life until the end. Then,
it is the power of his performances, power of
psychological and strong-willed messenger, that's what
makes his interpretations so convincing. This free
playing of a creative spirit in the clear realization of
a space, that's his element' his natural surroundings.
When we listen his Chopin, Liszt, his Rachmaninoff,
Prokofiev, Scriabin, it fills us with happiness, because
he lifts us to the such a level, where the perspectives
changes sharply and we feel the ,smashing over the edge,
life in the long ago overplayed pieces, and finally, we
realize that this music - is his, and it already has
became part of our lives.
7.2005
from Aljona Rapoport (1996)
Ya nikogda
ne zabudu, kak mi vtroem sideli v Japanese restoran
pered moim konkursom i ochen' vkusno pili, eli i
xoxotali do upadu. Aljosha psixologicheski nastraival
menya pered konkursom. On sprosil: -"Kakoe vino samoe
luchshee?" Ya dolgo dumala, stala perebirat' neuverenno
nazvaniya luchshix vin. Aliosha smotrya pryamo mne v
glaza , otchetlivo proiznes: - " KOTOROE TEBE
NRAVITSYA."
Ya
rasskazivayu etu istoriyu vsem moim uchenikam pered
konzertami i konkursami. Dumayu, chto ne vozmojno
virazit' koroche , ponyatnee, doxodchivee eto sostoyanie
uverennosti togo chto ti delaesh na szene, - kak ti
igraesh, kak ti sebya vedesh, sostoyanie kotoroe doljno
prisutsvovat' esli ti xochesh ubedit' slushateley - nado
ne somnevat'sya v svoey pravote i znat' chetko chto ti
xochesh sdelat' - "kakoe vino ti lyubish". Spasibo
Aljoshe za eto.
Elen
Rapoport
English
Translation
I will
never forget, how the three of us, Aljosha, Dace and I,
were sitting at the Japanese restaurant (1996) before my
competition, deliciously eating, drinking, laughing our
heads off and having a great time. Alexei,
psychologically tuned me before my competition. He
asked: "Which wine is the best?"
I started to think , I tried unsurely to name some
brands and kinds of the best ones... By looking straight
in my eyes, Aljosha distinctly said,
"The one You like the best"
I tell this story to all my students before their
concerts and competitions.
I think that it's not possible to express more briefly,
more lucidly the feeling of confidence of what you do on
the stage, - how you play, how you behave, the feeling
which has to be present, if you want to convince your
audience - don't doubt your truth and know precisely
what you want to do - "which wine do you love".
Thank you Aljosha for this!
Aljona
7.2005
from Aleksandr Bernhard
I would
like to concentrate on the positive side regarding
Alexei and although obviously his passing is a great
loss, his living was such a great gift to all who were
able to experience his musical ability and vibrant
personality. I was priviliged to hear Alexei play in New
Orleans Louisiana when I was young and what struck me
most surprising about him, aside from his virtuosity and
flare, was that he was such a laid back and sincere
person. I got to meet him back stage and could have
never imagined that such a serious and talented musician
could be so sociable and playful. As a pianist I can
only hope to one day reach the level of proficiency
Alexei had at the keyboard while at the same time
keeping a positive and down to earth attitude. I extend
my sorrow to Alexie's family and friends but also thank
his parents for gracing the musical world with such a
great gift.
Sincerely, Aleksandr Bernhard - Pianist
7.2005 from Libby Tilton
(2002)
Thank you for the honor of asking me to share with you
my feelings about Alexei. Two things come to mind right
away. 1. New Years Eve 2002....you and Alexei invited us
to your home to celebrate New Years Eve with you. We had
lots of wonderful food and drink and Alexei was happy
and enjoying the night with all of us. At midnight he
wanted to light sparklers and pop confetti poppers and
so we did. Right in the middle of the house! My son Nick
was so impressed that you guys did this in your house
that he remembers that and talks about it every New
Years Eve. Alexei liked fun and you continued to supply
lots of FUN everywhere the two of you went. Thank you.
2. Thumbs up! I loved the way Alexei was always giving a
thumbs up when he came into the clinic. One day I made
the comment about how lucky you guys were to have each
other. He immediately gave me a thumbs up! He loved you
so much and it was so heart warming to see the love and
devotion that the two of you shared with each other. How
wonderful to experience that deep of a love.
Love and
hugs................Libby
7.2005
from Linda McConathy (2005)
Alexei was
one of the most courageous persons I have ever met. That
he wanted to go back into the world after his
incapacitating illness and find a way to make a
meaningful life for himself took more inner strength
than is required of most of us in our lives. There are
several simple images of Alexei that I treasure and want
to share with you. The first is his smile and the
twinkle in his eye as he held the prize winning cake
that you made last spring; he still had the capacity for
joy in his life. At recent performances when he would
finish a piece on the keyboard with a flourish, there
was a glimpse of the Alexei who lived with such
enthusiasm and verve. And lastly, I still see his
handsome face as he wore an oak-leaf crown at the Ligo
celebration in June; he was so dignified. That night we
said he looked like a Greek god. Dace, you truly helped
Alexei to live life fully until the end. It was not the
same life he had before his health problems, but it was
full of love, friends, goals to attain, ups and downs to
deal with, and most of all hope. That was your special
gift to Alexei, and he loved you dearly. What blessed
memories you have to sustain you now through this
difficult time. Walt and I send you our love, and we
treasure your friendship.
Love,
Linda McConathy
7.2005
from Nancy Cook (2005)
I first
saw you two when you brought him into the pool at the
Benbrook YMCA. I was the only other person exercising in
the pool that day, and I was in awe of your physical
strength getting him down the steps and into the pool.
Then I couldn't help seeing the devotion you had for him
as you led him through his exercises. At the time I
didn't know who you were, but I learned later from the
lifeguard who told me that you two would be entertaining
at the Senior Citizens luncheon there the next week. In
the meantime my daughter, who lived in Fort Worth in
1989, told me that she had heard Alexei play in the
Cliburn Competition and knew immediately without a doubt
that he would be the winner. While he was waiting for
your program to begin that day at the YMCA, I told
Alexei what she had said. At that moment I felt my heart
connect with his; and then as I listened and watched the
two of you entertain the group, I felt a strong heart
connection with you also. Daci, I have never witnessed a
more powerful living sermon of tender, committed love
than I was privileged to experience that day as you led
and encouraged him throughout that very moving
performance.
At Alexei's memorial service I learned a lot about your
fifteen years together. Yours was a very unique
partnership in every sense of the word. It has been a
roller coaster life, hasn't it? And now you will have
the task of redefining your own life. I pray that you
will be led to make the most of your new life, using
your deep capacity to love, your strength and
determination, your obvious charm and friendliness, and
your own special talent with the cello.
Alexei has
been called "great" by so many people; and rightly so.
But there is another definition of "great". It's the
definition that applies to people like Albert
Schweitzer, people who are called great because of how
much of themselves they devote to others. You, Daci, are
"great" by that definition. You are truly a great human
being, and you have touched many lives for the good,
including my own. I will never forget you and your
amazing Alexei.
Most
sincerely,
Nancy Cook
7.2005 from Charlotte
I would
just like to say how sad i was to hear of Alexei passing
away. He was truly the finest Pianist i ever heard .
Never afraid to show emotion and TRULY bring the Music
alive through his awesome technique and musicianship. In
latter times the bravery he showed in overcoming his
difficulties to return to sharing his gifts and yours
with audiences was remarkable.My own daughter is
disabled and reading of this on your website has been an
inspiration to her . She has shared his story of hope
and courage with many people. If only we lived in
America and could have had the gift of coming to hear
Alexei and yourself play! However his memory and
musicianship will always remain in our hearts. Our
sincere condolences to you at this dreadful time.
Charlotte
and Family
7.2005
(writing about 1996 and 2000)Sanita Seile
Man
vislabak atmina palikusi makskeresanas pasakums. Tas
bija varen jautri. Pasakums notika viena karpu diki.
Brauceji bijam Es Pica, Alosa, Dada varbut vel kads es
neatceros. Man liekas ka kaut kadi sikie bija un varbut
ari maris. Es tiesam neatceros. Mums piedavaja pirkt uz
karpu diki biletes vai uz otru, kura it ka esot citas
zivis. Protams ka Dadai bija lidz vsadi sikumi prieks
makskeresanas. Ta nu mes sakam makskeret. No zivim
nebija ne smakas. Nekeras nekas. Bet bija loti jautri.
Mes visi jautrojamies un priecajamies ta pat. Cik es
atceros tad vienigais kas nokera kadu zivi bija Pica. Un
otrs nopietnais pasakums kas iespiedies atmina ir
koncerts Melngalvju nama. Tas bija kaut kas fantastisks
ka Alosa vareja ta nospelet. visa publika bija sajusma.
Tas teisam bija lielisi. Un vel viens bridis. Lai gan
Alosa nebija pats klat, bet musu kazas tomer var
uzskatit ka vins bija ar mums. Jo taja bridi kad gajam
ieksa viesu nama skaneja Alosa speletais kazu mars. Tas
ari bija loti patikami un savilnojosi. Jo ta bija ari
vieniga reize, kad speleja kazu mars musu kazas, jo
baznica kazu marsa nebija. Paldies tev Alosa. Sveicieni
visiem.
Sanita
English
Translation
My
favorite memory is from the fishing trip. That was a lot
of fun. The event took place at the carp pond. Me, my
husband Picha, Aljosha, Dada and others. There were
bunch of us - happy campers. The owner of the two ponds
offered us to purchase tickets if we like to fish in one
of his ponds. We had lots of different kind of fishing
equipment with us. And, after we got the tickets we
started fishing. There were totally no fish. We could
not catch a thing. But it was a lot of fun anyway, we
were laughing, boating, swimming, joking, having a great
time. Only one who catched a single fish was Picha. And
other ,more serious, event will always stay in my
memory- It was Alexei's recital in Riga , in Melngalvju
Nams (March 2000).That was something fantastic. Alexei
playing was unbelievable! All the audience was in
ecstasy. It was a stunning experience. And one more
moment.. Although, Alexei was not there in person at our
wedding, but we can consider that he was there. Because
at the moment when we entered the banquet house, the
recording of wedding march performed by Alexei was
turned on. It was a very moving and happy moment. That
was the only time when wedding march was played at our
wedding, there was non at the church. Thank you Aljosha!
Sanita
7.2005
from Shani Romick ( 2004)
My
Favorite Memorable Moment:
I remember the first time I met Alexei about 2 years
ago. I had read all about his medical history and new
his wife was bringing him in to see me in the hopes that
I could help him improve his cognition and speech.
When they arrived I was impressed by Alexei's alert
eyes. Even though he could not walk or speak well, he
communicated with his eyes, expressions and gestures. He
tried everything I asked him to do. I knew he was
special and that his genius music abitity would help in
other ways. He and Dace were a strong team, always
working hard to improve Alexei's condition and grasping
life by the horns and living the fullest life together
that they could. Last year, we invited Alexei and Dace
to the Center for BrainHealth (in Dallas) to play the
piano at our Aphasia Awareness Picnic. They played
beautifully together. Alexei was an inspiration to the
other stroke survivors as they watched and listened to
the music. This was my favorite moment- seeing Alexei
perform his music for other stroke survivors with Dace
by his side. It was a glimpse of the Alexei that won the
Van Cliburn and the Alexei that would not give up his
fight to improve his abilities. He will always remain in
our memories and his music will be a legacy. I was
honored to work with both Alexei and Dace over the last
2 years and will miss Alexei a great deal.
With admiration and love to Dace,
Shani Romick, M.S. CCC/SLP
Cognitive Linguistic Specialist
Center for BrainHealth
University of Texas at Dallas