Concord and Gaspard

Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin has a record of legendary performances at the Muziekgebouw. A series to which this recital can already safely be added. After all, Hamelin is bold enough to play Charles Ives’ infamous Concord Sonata as well as Ravel’s equally feared Gaspard de la nuit in one evening. A marathon session for many, the ultimate fusion of technique and poetry for Hamelin.

Marc-André Hamelin owes his fame partly to how he handles pieces deemed unplayable. It has earned him cult status among pianists and music enthusiasts alike. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that this status is based not only on ‘showing off his muscles’, but also on the eloquence of his playing. Once again, he proves - this time with Schumann’s Waldszenen - that the poetic power of the music always comes first for him.

Programme booklet (Dutch)