For a pianist known for his technical prowess, Arcardi Volodos had surprisingly little formal training. Born in Leningrad, 1972, Volodos followed his vocalist parents into singing, then concentrated on conducting at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He started playing piano at age eight, but didn’t shift his focus until seven years later. Even then, his musical morality forbade the very idea of contests and competitions – normally a death knell for any soloist, and, unlike violinists, pianists have limited job prospects. But, for once, fate chose to reward principle. A mutual friend took a manager at the Sony Classical label to a private recital performed by Volodos on a living room piano; a few hours later, he had a long-term contract.
Many pianists can combine musicality with technique, but Volodos is in a different class. Widely touted as the next Horowitz, the still-young Russian musician is best known for playing impossibly difficult arrangements and transcriptions, often of his own doing. His version of Mozart’s ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ includes playing both the melody and counter melody with his right hand while using his left for daring leaps and complex chords. His 1997 debut album Piano Transcriptions was a popular and critical sensation that launched a spectacular career; today, he continues to create original and/or elaborated interpretations of famous pieces, while his frenetic fingering brings audiences to their feet.
Oddly, given his late start, Volodos felt his conservatory education solidified his awesome technique and today makes a point not to ‘overpractise’, limiting himself to two hours daily. But he feels that in matters of virtuosity, brain trumps fingers – plus, he practises during his many recitals. Nice work if you can get it.