Review: Pierre-Laurent Aimard pays tribute to the 88 keys of the grand piano
Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard launched his residency at the Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam with a challenging program of contemporary music. The concert featured a special performance with composer George Benjamin, highlighting their shared history and a mutual dedication to modern piano repertoire.
French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard has inaugurated his residency at the Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam with a bold program titled French Lines. Known for his expertise in contemporary music, the 69-year-old veteran delivered a performance featuring works by composers such as Thomas Lacôte, Nikolai Obukhov, and Maurice Ravel. His interpretation of Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit highlighted his ability to balance intense technical precision with artistic allure, solidifying his unique standing in the international music scene.
The concert also featured a special collaboration with renowned British composer George Benjamin. Aimard performed Benjamin’s 2001 piece Shadowlines before the pair performed a four-handed rendition of Benjamin’s 2025 work, Divisions. The performance, which served as a tribute to Olivier Messiaen and the instrument itself, offered a rare and emotional experience for the audience. This event showcased the deep musical connection between Aimard and Benjamin, celebrating their shared history and dedication to modern composition.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
