Vivid virtuoso's triumphant gift

DANIEL Lebhardt is a Hungarian pianist who has notched up an impressive tally of prizes, critically acclaimed recordings and performances with some of the world's finest orchestras, conductors and chamber musicians.

- By WILLIAM RUFF

Daniel Lebhardt

He has performed in the Sunday Piano Series before, nine years ago - perhaps an indication of just how busy he has been.

Even before he played a note, his insight was obvious from his brief yet illuminating introductory comments.

He opened with Beethoven's Sonata No 17, known as The Tempest - although it’s not clear why. It's certainly dramatic and has some magical moments but Beethoven may have been less that serious when he suggested that Shakespeare's play was the key to its mysteries.