“… her view of this concerto was highly romantic. As always, her technique was superb, as she balanced light, glittering runs against powerful octave passages. She pushed tempos ahead and pulled back, sometimes drawing out lyrical themes to the point of losing the pulse.

Time stood still in the slow movement, as the pianist provided light filigree around the gorgeous theme for the cellos. She summoned speed and power in the finale. Grimaud propelled the tempo while flying through difficult virtuosities with panache. …”

REVIEW: Substitute steps in to conduct thrilling ‘Zarathustra’ with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – Cincinnati Business Courier

When a rising conductor is called upon to step in at the last moment to perform with a major orchestra, there’s always a sense of drama. In the case of the 27-year-old American conductor Maurice Cohn, who led the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on Friday, the drama involved more than just leading a sensational work that is part of the orchestra’s DNA – Richard Strauss’ “Thus Spake Zarathustra.”