Hate her or love her, Khatia Buniatishvili is one of the most captivating and polarising figures in classical music today. Known for her virtuosic technique and deeply expressive performances, she has garnered both fervent admiration and critical scrutiny.
Khatia Buniatishvili © Julia Wesley
Embracing artistic freedom, Buniatishvili reinterprets classical works to reflect her unique vision, breaking from tradition to offer fresh, resonant perspectives. At the heart of her artistry lies a deep connection to the human experience, blending Enlightenment values with interdisciplinary explorations in film and music, while her charismatic stage presence strengthens her bond with listeners.
Her intense focus on emotional expression sometimes results in technical inaccuracies, with critics noting occasional lapses in control during complex passages. It is argued that her idiosyncratic interpretations deviate excessively from traditional practices and the composer’s intention. In addition, her glamorous stage persona and dramatic presence invite criticism for potentially overshadowing the music.
To celebrate her birthday on 21 June 1987, we have decided to focus on some of her most iconic recordings.
Claude Debussy: Suite Bergamasque – III. Clair de lune (Khatia Buniatishvili, piano)
Chopin Album
Khatia Buniatishvili’s rendition of Frédéric Chopin’s Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52, featured on her 2012 Chopin album released by Sony Classical, stands as a vivid testament to her reputation as a pianist of extraordinary emotional depth and technical virtuosity. This performance encapsulates her signature style. It is intensely personal, boldly expressive, and unapologetically individualistic.
This recording stands out for its balance of lyricism and virtuosity, and as a deeply personal reinterpretation. Fans and critics acknowledge her ability to make the piece feel alive and urgent, and her interpretive freedom is both captivating and alienating. Her expressive use of rubato, for instance, stretches the architectural aspects of the piece to the point of distortion.
Buniatishvili’s Chopin Ballade No. 4 is a microcosm of her artistry. It is a blend of technical brilliance, emotional intensity, and fearless individuality that divides opinion. Love it or hate it, this recording remains a defining moment in her career.
Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 (Khatia Buniatishvili, piano)
Liszt Album
One of her earliest major releases, Buniatishvili’s recording of the Liszt B-minor Sonata is a striking showcase of her virtuosic brilliance, emotional intensity, and bold interpretive vision. It established her as a formidable interpreter of this complex and demanding work, earning both fervent admiration and critical scrutiny.
Buniatishvili’s rendition is characterised by its daring tempi, theatrical dynamics, and deeply personal expression, which offers a vivid reinterpretation that captivates and polarises in equal measure. Her rendition was described as “a rollercoaster of passion,” but this intensity also fuelled critical debate.
Some critics have noted moments of rhythmic unevenness or slight smudging of notes, particularly in the densest passages. This suggests that her emotional exuberance can lead to technical lapses under the pressure of her ambitious pacing. In fact, Buniatishvili’s approach has been likened to “Horowitz but more mistakes.”
Franz Liszt: Piano Sonata in B Minor, S178/R21 (Khatia Buniatishvili, piano)
Schubert Album
Khatia Buniatishvili released her Schubert album on Sony Classical in 2019. It offers a deeply personal and emotionally charged interpretation of the 4 Schubert Impromptus. To be sure, Buniatishvili brings her signature intensity and lyrical sensitivity to Schubert’s introspective works.
Buniatishvili approaches these pieces with a painterly touch, treating each as a vivid emotional vignette. Her use of rubato is generous but controlled, allowing the melody to breathe with conversational quality that reflects her human-centric artistry.
Some critics lauded this performance for its “effervescent and elegant execution,” with one review describing it as a “masterclass in balancing virtuosity and lyricism.” Detractors point out moments where her tempo fluctuations feel excessive, arguing that her expressive liberties stretch the piece’s structure beyond Schubert’s intentions.
Franz Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 (Khatia Buniatishvili, piano)
Mozart Album
Khatia Buniatishvili recorded two Mozart Piano Concertos on her 2024 Sony Classical release. Once again, it is a vibrant and deeply personal interpretation of Mozart’s most beloved works. Buniatishvili brings her characteristic emotional intensity and lyrical sensitivity to the Piano Concerto No. 23, and offers a fresh perspective that captivates listeners while sparking critical debate over her interpretive choices.
Her performance is shaped by her broader artistic philosophy of championing creative liberty and emotional immediacy. She approaches Mozart’s concerto as a living work, infusing it with her own experiences and personality rather than adhering strictly to classical conventions. This is evident in her bold, dynamic choices and flexible phrasing, which create a sense of spontaneity that resonates with modern audiences.
Khatia Buniatishvili is a pianist of extraordinary talent, whose passionate and individualistic approach has redefined how audiences experience classical music. Her ability to evoke profound emotion and her technical prowess make her a standout figure, though her unconventional style and occasional technical inconsistencies spark debate among some critics. Buniatishvili’s artistry is undeniably compelling, making her a fascinating figure in the classical music world.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488 (Khatia Buniatishvili, piano; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra; Khatia Buniatishvili, cond.)
