The Romantic Spirit

Romantic music did not appear out of nowhere. And it has refused to disappear since, holding audiences worldwide in its spell. We find the romantic spirit in great individualists such as Scarlatti and Beethoven, long before romantic composers such as Chopin and Schumann appeared. Their great Romantic Age of the 19th century saw the birth of the piano recital as a daring individual venture. Then the birth of modern technology helped to create the piano as a supreme instrument. It called for a virtuoso technique which would see the human spirit attain new heights.

Nowadays we have perfected both the technology and the technique but are in danger of losing the romantic spirit that gives it all life and meaning. In our quest for perfection we prefer safety to seeking the inspiration of the moment. But here, in a live concert, the safety net of the recording studio is taken away, incalculable risks have to be taken and the spirit of the music becomes the guiding force: the intimacy of Scarlatti, the strength and tenderness of Beethoven, the ecstasy of Scriabin, the poetry of Chopin and the passion of Schumann.