I was invited along to a Press Conference for the release of Denis Matsuev's new album, which has been titled "Neizvestny Rachmaninov" ("Unknown Rachmaninov") in the Russian release by Sony/BMG.
"Unknown" is rather pushing it, I'd say - since there are only two pieces on the disc which are appearing for the first time, and the rest is material already recorded by several other pianists. However, all power to Mr Matsuev for recording the new pieces - handed to him by Alexander Rachmaninov, the composer's grandson, who had found them amidst the composer's papers.
What was infinitely more depressing, however, was the Press Conference itself. Casting an eye around the extraordinarily expensive Thai restaurant (no, I don't know either) where this launch was being held, I looked in vain for any of the coterie of usual suspects - but there were no music journos I recognised at all. This became painfullly apparent as the event proceeded - everyone invited was from the glossy magazines world. A lady (on the panel) gave an effusive speech about how Matsuev was doing his patriotic duty in portaying Russian music to the world... she subsequently gave me her card, and she is from "Let's Lose Weight Correctly!" magazine.
The Sales Manager of Sony/BMG made a speech talking about the high quality of the pictures and presentation crystal case. Matsuev himself said a few words about how the album had been recorded on Rachmaninov's own piano - apparently a titanic instrument larger than a concert grand, but currently located in his grandson's house in Switzerland, which presented the recording technicians with a puzzler, since it was in room the size of a normal domestic lounge.
"Questions from the floor" produced three: (i) "Do you believe that your star-sign influences the way you play?" ("Your Fate In The Stars" monthly) (ii) "What other little-known Russian music of the C20th would you like to record, given the opportunity?" (self), and (iii) What are your favourite dishes in Thai cuisine? (Owner of the Thai restaurant).
But compare and contrast... Matsuev's answer to my question about repertoire...
"Oh my god, everywhere I go it's always the same, "Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1". Not even the Second or Third. In this respect you could say even Rimsky-Korsakov is a "neglected composer" because his Concerto is never played. Frankly I am sick of it. It's all part of a dumbing-down tendency which is extremely regrettable, turning performers into tawdry products which can be put on any shelves or shop-windows. I would like to thank Valery Gergiev who has given me the chance to play Tcherepnin and Liadov, but such works are only wanted in Russia, and everywhere else... "Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1". I'm very tired of this piece."... with the prepared speech of the Head of Sony/BMG Russia Division, which then followed...
Many people of course are wondering what is the future for record companies, against a background of falling audience numbers, drooping sales, and internet-downloading of back catalogue, often in illegal circumstances. But I can tell you at Sony/BMG we are not worried about this, because what is important is the product. And Denis Matsuev is our product, better than that produced by rival companies. We intend to promote this product very strongly, because it is what our public want. I can tell you this product will be on sale in the best shops in all of Russia's main cities by Thursday of this week. 
I tried to see an expression on Matsuev's face when he was named as a "product", but he was looking straight down into the table in front of him
All assembled then proceeded to an elegant buffet and unlimited cocktails....
