“A pianist’s impact,” by Jay Nordlinger

“A pianist’s impact,” by Jay Nordlinger

A recital by Evgeny Kissin in Carnegie Hall is a regular event—and “event” is the right word. A Kissin recital is an event because of the stage seating (the overflow crowd on the stage). But also because of the personal solemnity and earnestness of the pianist. He is not “one of the guys.” He does not take a mic and say, “Hey, y’all, how you doin’ tonight? Wanna hear some Bach and such?” No. He is a pianist of the old school (complete with conce…