Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Blending sensuality with a searching intellectual rigour, French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard has swiftly established himself as one of the world’s truly great keyboard players, especially prized for his rich, penetrating performances of 20th-century music.
Following his two late-night concerts in The Hub (see page 51), in this Queen’s Hall recital he contrasts pieces from two of the finest collections in the piano repertoire. Debussy’s impressionistic Préludes are exquisite evocations of places, people and moods, combining virtuoso pianism with delicate poetry.
Aimard includes the famous La cathédrale engloutie, Debussy’s vivid musical depiction of a mythical Breton cathedral that rises from the waves.
He contrasts Debussy’s miniature masterpieces with fiery Études by Ligeti, powerfully expressive showpieces that push a performer’s abilities to their limits.
‘the Frenchman lures his audiences in such a wonderful way’
Die Welt
This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard Piano
Debussy Préludes (selection from books 1 and 2)
Ligeti Études (selection)