Alexei Sultanov

Alexei Sultanov (August 7, 1969 – June 30, 2005), Russian-American classical pianist of Uzbek origin. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Sultanov and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1990 / Alexei Sultanov playing Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by F. Liszt."

Alexei Sultanov was born to a family of musicians. At the age of 6, he began piano lessons in Tashkent with Tamara Popovich and then was under guidance of Lev Naumov at the Moscow Conservatory. At the age of 13 he was a participant of the International Radio Competition for Young Musicians in Prague. He became famous after winning the Eighth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition on June 11, 1989 at the age of 19. He was the youngest contestant in that year's competition. Listeners were awed by his virtuosic technique, musicality, and dynamic range. After winning the Van Cliburn, he made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.