Piano recital ⬩ James Lisney (Great Britain)

THE MAGIC OF THE PIANO: From divine silence to romantic rapture

Experience an evening where the piano becomes a temple, a confessional and an unbridled orchestra. This program is composed of masterpieces that require not only flawless virtuosity from the performer, 
but above all deep maturity and the ability to tell stories without words. Immerse yourself in the tones that have shaped the history of piano music.

We will begin the evening in silence and contemplation with Franz Liszt's Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude (Blessing of God in Solitude). One of Liszt's most beautiful and profound compositions will transport you to a space of absolute peace and spiritual uplift. Next will be Three Piano Pieces, D 946 - Schubert's late work full of melancholy, hidden unrest, but also unsophisticated song melodies. The highlight of the first half of the evening will be Chopin's piano sonata, op. 58- a drama full of passion, technical fireworks and lyrical poetry. The evening will conclude with Rachmaninov and his piano miniatures in which he captured the fragility of nature and deep Slavic nostalgia with incredible sensitivity. The brilliant highlight will be the famous violin melodies of Fritz Kreisler, transformed by Rachmaninov into uncompromising, sparkling and captivating piano arrangements in the Viennese style.

The dramaturgy of this concert is not just a sequence of pieces, but an organic whole that will take the listener from inner solitude and prayer, through the dramatic struggles of the romantic soul,
to the intoxicating joy of life. For piano lovers it is a feast, for occasional listeners an unforgettable gateway to the world of classical music.

“This program does not forgive the slightest hesitation. It requires a pianist who can whisper in prayer for a second and then unleash a storm on the keyboard the next.”