Gilels -- Beethoven's "Waldstein" Sonata -- Part 3

After listening to this, I got to thinking about other Gilels things I have on CD. I got to thinking about Emil Gilels. Musicality on this level is astounding. What is it with the Russians? Note perfect, yes. But it's something else. A kind of sprung flair, a bounded apotheosis, a rhythmic uniqueness, a natural expressiveness that happens in séance with the score. That does not distort the score. But adds life to life. In short, a respectful audacity. It is Gilels and Richter, others. When you hear it, you know it's a Russian master. I don't know what else to say.