Романтичните клавирно-оркестрови творби в репертоара на пианиста Антон Диков
Romantic pieces for piano and orchestra in Anton Dikov’s repertoire

Summary/Abstract: The paper deals with the interpretational achievements of renowned pianist Anton Dikov (1938-2004) in the genre of piano concertos, with the scale and uniqueness of his performative concerts. The pianist’s personal professional development is treated focusing on some important biographical data. The article underscores his earliest artistic performances and the following key moments in his brilliant international career, conducting to his becoming a prominent figure in pianism in the national and international music life of the second half of the twentieth century. The paper draws attention to the strong presence of piano concertos in Anton Dikov’s repertoire, shaped by his artistic disposition, interpretational skills, and affinity for grand-scale forms in piano literature. The performer’s specific sources are cited. Style, as well as the distinctive features and various aspects of his pianism, are considered. Integral performances of Bartók and Beethoven’s piano concertos and a number of concertos by Bulgarian composers are commented. Following an overview of the major romantic pieces for piano and orchestra, included in Dikov’s performing and recording activities, special attention is devoted to Brahms’s two piano concertos. The timeline​ of their performances by Dikov is provided. On this basis, the pianist’s concept of the pieces is analysed along with his views and knowledge of the Brahmsian style. Not only his rich structural hearing and formal skills but also his sound-instrumental achievements within the whole integral of the two grand piano concertos are highlighted. A number of interesting reviews along with other written sources are cited.

• Details
• Contents