Gavriel Lipkind . Igor Levit

'We want you!' were our thoughts when we heard Gavriel Lipkind for the first time. What strikes you the most about this young Israeli cellist is the great serenity and respect with which he approaches the music. Lipkind is far from being on an ego trip. On the contrary, he displays a certain reticence. Lipkind wants the music to speak for itself and searches for the truth behind the notes. That requires considerable discipline, control and purity. But that said, his playing is neither sterile nor distant, but is alive and particularly sincere. Lipkind's integrity is also displayed on other levels. Rather than rapidly racing to the top of his career, he has chosen to take his time to develop himself further. Last year, he took a year off to enhance his playing, broaden his repertoire and work together with contemporary composers. In his recital at deSingel, Lipkind presents a fantastic programme that includes the grand sonatas from the romantic repertoire. The effervescent Sonata for Solo Cello by Ligeti provides the necessary counterbalance. Top class!