Ludovico Einaudi: Elements Live

SYNOPSIS

Known for his sparse, ethereal compositions that have enhanced the reputation of internationally successful films like Intouchables and Nomadland, composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi returns with an exceptional concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall accompanied by five other musicians. The concert opens under a mysterious, heavy ambiance with the piece Drop, in which the sound of the cello is modified by electronic music that introduces an almost futuristic dimension. In Whirling Winds, the violin and piano imitate blustery winds with a rhythmic crescendo, while softer sonorities resonate in Night with the use of the vibraphone, transporting us to a peaceful, dreamlike universe. The central piece Elements, which gives the concert its name, incorporates each of the elements in turn in a progressive emulation that leads to an exalted finale. We recognize the pianist’s distinctive musicality, but Einaudi never ceases to surprise us with his innovative style, exemplified in Numbers, a piece in which a woman counts from 1 to 4 in English at random…The talent of the other musicians, the lighting effects, and the blend of traditional instruments with electronic music help make this a memorable showcase for one of the most distinguished composers of our era.