Bravo, Reinis Zariņš, for an outstanding rendition of Messiaen's cosmic Vingt Regards tonight @wigmore_hall. (And by memory, no less: we pianists well know what a herculean effort this entails.)

The program ends with the Viola Sonata, Op. 147, Shostakovich's final utterance, completed just days before his death on 9 August 1975. It is one of the greatest pieces in the viola repertoire. The finale is dedicated "to the memory of the great Beethoven".

But Michelangelo replies with bitter imperturbability: —It’s sweet to sleep, but better still to be a stone, When all around is shame and crime: Not feeling, not seeing is a relief, Fall silent then, friend, why awaken me?

Giovanni Strozzi to Michelangelo, praising his incomparable sculpture Night: —Here is this Night, that so calmly sleeps Before you, the creation of an angel. She is of stone, but there is breath in her: Only awaken her—she will begin to speak.

If you're around London tonight, join @SimonBarrad @RidoutTimothy and me @wigmore_hall. Performing two of Shostakovich's final masterpieces, suffused with a deep connection to Michelangelo and Dante. bit.ly/Shost145147

Thrilled to be presenting two of Shostakovich's last three works with fabulous partners @SimonBarrad and @RidoutTimothy @wigmore_hall on 22/2/22.

I enjoyed it @JacobsPianos. Wonderful students, and beautiful pianos for us to work with.

Thank you @jackfowler. It seems some things need to be said again and again…

With @SimonBarrad and Hsin-Yun Huang after last night's Shostakovich @pcmsconcerts in Philadelphia. Livestream still viewable youtu.be/vdjCpRuPXPs via @YouTube

Here is the bewitching "Night": Shostakovich Op. 145, No. 9 | Night (Dialogue) by Simon Barrad and Ignat Solzhenitsyn on #SoundCloud soundcloud.app.goo.gl/ztqTCj…

If you’re in Phila, come tonight to Ben Franklin Hall to hear two of Shostakovich’s profoundest final works: the Michelangelo Suite and the Viola Sonata.

Forthright and eminently reasonable piece by @MrWinMarshall @spectator, quoting yours truly, and calling for more speech, not less. spectator.co.uk/article/when…

In front of a Center City bookstore, a novel take on boosting literature.

Come hear the concert if you are in town, or catch the livestream here: youtu.be/vdjCpRuPXPs

Michelangelo and Shostakovich Friday night in Philadelphia @pcmsconcerts with @SimonBarrad and Hsin-Yun Huang.bit.ly/ShostakovichPhiladelp…

Thanks, Jordan. And greatly enjoyed our discussion last week @cspan bit.ly/35KPYOV

Michelangelo and Shostakovich, Part 3 ignatsolzhenitsyn.com/latest…

Michelangelo and Shostakovich, Part 2 ignatsolzhenitsyn.com/latest…

Reverse Immortality ignatsolzhenitsyn.com/latest…

For a “dry business newspaper,” the @economist writes strikingly poetic obituaries. This week’s is no exception. It is a fitting tribute to my great colleague #Haitink, and captures what was most important about his music-making—service of the composer. econ.st/3EWsoLf