Pianists in the Diamond: Antti Siirala (FI)
Listen to the Finnish master in close contact with Schubert's great sonata and Debussy's picturesque preludes.
Programme
Franz Schubert (1797-1828): Piano Sonata in A minor "Premiere Grande Sonata", Op. 42, D 845 (1825)
BREAK
Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Préludes, first book, L117 (1910)
The music
Siirala begins with Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A minor. It was composed in the spring of 1825, just three years before the composer’s death, probably during a stay at a country house owned by the opera singer Michael Vogl, who loved Schubert’s songs. The sonata embodies the composer’s characteristic melancholy, but it is not called the “Premiere Grande Sonata” for nothing; with its duration of approximately 40 minutes, it is a magnificent colossus of a sonata, ambitious and versatile in its expression – at times sombre, forceful and radiant.
In 1826, a review of the work read: “It is rich in truly new and original harmonic inventions; equally rich and versatile in expression; ingenious and artisanally persistent… We promise those who are able to understand this work a rich and rare pleasure.”
After the break, we are in a completely different, floating place with Debussy's 12 eminent preludes from 1910. Remarkably, Debussy did not place the title of the preludes before the piece, but after and even in parentheses, which indicates that the pianist does not need to know the title to play the work. This leaves the performer free in his interpretation, although Debussy's comments set a direction for the expression. For example, his comments on the second piece entitled (voiles) read: "In a rhythm without stringency, and caressed... soft and very gentle... softer... even softer... very supple... very calm and very subdued at the end..."
The pianist
Antti Siirala has been praised for his rich palette of timbres and his varied and singing playing. Back in 1997 he became the youngest ever winner of the tenth International Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna, which is held every four years, and he has received many fine words through the times in his now long career.
“Siirala's refined and intelligent piano playing rivals the very best in a catalogue filled with outstanding artists.” - Gramophone
"A pianist who really cares" - FonoForum
Cast
Antti Siirala, piano
Part of the series Pianists in the Diamond
Photo: Laura Stamer
A handful of times a year we let the best pianists of the time get their hands on The Black Diamond's grand concert piano for a solo concert.
The event is part of the series Pianists in the Diamond.
Pianists in the Diamond is supported by the Beckett Foundation.
