Yefim Bronfman affirms his natural curiosity

As he approaches the 33th anniversary of U.S. premiere at Carnegie Hall, pianist Yefim Bronfman remains committed to the cause of music. “The processes of music-making never cease, for the human spirit cannot be stopped, and one integral expression of humanity is music,” he said in a recent interview.

Fima, as he’s called by his many friends and fans, turns 64 on April 10, and will return May 8 to Orchestra Hall, where he’s a frequent and welcome guest, for an SCP Piano recital — which will include two Beethoven works, Sonata No. 11 in B-flat Major, Op. 22, and Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata).

“I have learned that success takes a lot of hard work and confidence,” he said. “The mystery that compels me to the next concert is difficult to pinpoint and highly complicated, though the most important thing is a foundation that can allow a person to persevere, which for me is a love of music.

“Another lesson is that we must always be prepared to deliver excellence,” he said. “Careers sometimes last for only a short time, but if you consistently deliver interesting music, then I think that someone out there will always want to hear it.

“I have always been fascinated by music; I do not play music because the market needs it, but because I am a naturally curious person. What drives me is the desire to improve. Though I do not always succeed, I always try to get better.”

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