Ludovico Einaudi and his ensemble deliver a performance that is meditative and compelling.
Ludovico Einaudi has developed a well established brand of soothing modern classical composition. His pieces are beautiful and accessible, featuring Einaudi at the forefront playing piano with signature restraint, sometimes with additional orchestral accompaniment. They are wonderfully relaxing to listen to at home, and fortunately, translate well to a live venue.
The evening was an understated affair. Einaudi was joined by two players, a violinist and cellist. The stage was set simply, white spotlights drawing the eyes to the musicians. Pieces were played in sets of three, with a subtle transition between pieces that could easily be missed. After each set, the lights would lower, hiding the players in the shadows for a brief applause. This structure reflected the musical style well, allowing the audience to be washed along the ebb and flow. Behind the players was a screen featuring abstract moving images and light. These enhanced the performance without distracting, with well timed transitions to emphasise moments of thickened texture or heightened dynamics.
The majority of the set-list was taken from the recent studio release, Seven Days Walking. These were exercises in elegant repeated motifs, layering and removing texture, and gradually shifting dynamics. Seven Days Walking as a title works well. The music here reflected both the zen-like repetition of putting one foot in front of the other, as well as slow uncovering of a fresh landscape. The pieces were undeniably minimal, but it was easy to be captured by their charm. Indeed, the audience were rapt. In the moments of space in the arrangements the silence in the auditorium was deafening (malicious sweet rustlers aside).
All of the performers were excellent. Einaudi himself was a picture of composure, confident yet unassuming. The violin and cello parts provided some lovely additional texture, and the musicians played with passion. There was little on stage banter, only to introduce a new ‘experimental’ composition, which was in the end just another (albeit lovely) Einaudi standard, with some added radio static and a few discordant piano flourishes.
In the end, the performers were awarded a well deserved standing ovation. Einaudi returned to play some solo piano pieces, before finishing in ensemble with a superb arrangement of Experience. All together, a stirring performance that was the ideal prescription for the encroaching British winter. Inspiring.