Jorge Bolet, Vienna, 23 May 1935

Jorge Bolet, Vienna, 23 May 1935

"But even in Cuba, they are aware of the secrets of Beethoven's style. This was demonstrated by the young, exceptionally charming southerner Jorge Bolet, whose "Appassionata" displayed such maturity, inner serenity, dazzling technique, and nuanced touch..."   Die Wiener Tag (7 July)

The artist proved himself a refined musician. A clear, well-developed technique – only the fortissimo attack was a little dry – provided the foundation for a performance free of mannerism and sentimentality.

The centrepiece of the evening, the Appassionata, was the finest proof of a natural interpretation. The work emerged flawlessly pure, and the straightforward yet warm beauty that the pianist knew how to imbue the central piece must be particularly emphasised. His relationship to Chopin, however, remains not entirely clear. It was an ascetic, indeed at times somewhat restricted, Chopin that was presented. All the Allegro sections were approached with verve, which made it all the more surprising that the cantabile slow passages, such as the beginning of the Ballade in G minor, this power was not overly lyrical and was condensed with a restrained intensity. In contrast, the dances by Manuel de Falla were once again excellent, revealing above all the great rhythmic precision, the true "sustainedness with the rhythm," the primal force of the music-making. The audience honoured the artist's performance with enthusiastic applause.

Wiener Neueste Nachrichten, 6 June 1935