Croatian Rhapsody

His name is Maksim Mrvica ( surname is pronounced Maravitsa) He is 33 years old and a very talented pianist. His repertoire includes classical music to which he fuses contemporary pop and rock sounds. The result is indeed a very unique style and is now become his trademark.

I stumbled across a few clips of his performance, at the Round House in London, on YouTube and i was quite impressed by how beautifully he played Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

His concerts are far from those of the typical classical performers ( not to mention his attire. leather pants, wristbands, sleeveless shirts and ultra styled hair *so cool* he would be an ideal bishounen character for a manga *lol*)
At the Roundhouse world premiere the executions was often accompanied by dancers and big light effects. Dazzling show.
Although he is mostly known for his classical/pop-rock crossovers he is extremely good with the original arrangements too.
His most popular performances, however, have split the public opinion Those who love him for introducing a modern twist to classical pieces and those who hate him for the very same reason: classical music has to be,by definition, classical.
Purists' ears may be horrified of his version of Hendel's Sarabande with an electronic upbeat nevertheless these re-elaborations don't fail to deliver and attract the attention of several music enthusiasts.
I can't help but wonder if the original composers themselves would have used the same base and instruments if they lived in our time. And I say, why not?