The comparativist

Pianist Edward Lloyd opened Christ Church's 2026 Midweek Music programme with arrangements from Bach, metaphysical pieces by Liszt and a tad of Rachmaninoff's «Sonata n.° 2». Mr. Lloyd was last years' summer programme inaugural performer, and today, since the Kairos Duo couldn't make it, repeated an opening performance, now for the Spring programme. To a crowd of about 80 musical enthusiasts, Mr. Lloyd proved that he has somehow perfected what I thought was already a flawless pianistic discourse, as already stunning soft passages have become even milder, more cared for, more sentimental and somehow clearer; but Mr. Lloyd's flair is not limited to the piano, as the strong, dramatic corners of his performance also seem rangier, as if he had managed to extend the forte into further ranges. To me, the standout piece was the Ferruccio Busoni transcription of Bach's «Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland», BWV 659, which showcased Mr. Lloyd's gentle, emotive tact...