LAC (Lugano art and culture)

Grigorij Sokolov, the legend in Lugano

05th June 2024

Edited by Manuela Lozza

A musical encounter with Bach, Chopin and Schumann

On Wednesday 12 June, at 20pm, the Sala Teatro of the LAC in Lugano will host one of the most anticipated events of the musical season: the return of Grigorij Sokolov to LuganoMusica. The famous Russian pianist, known for his dedication and interpretative rigor, presents a program that pays homage to three giants of piano music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Fryderyk Chopin and Robert Schumann.

The evening's program

Sokolov's choice for this season focuses on works that explore different nuances of keyboard music. He will begin with the “Four keyboard duets, BWV 802-803” and the “Keyboard Partita n. 2 in C minor, BWV 826” by Johann Sebastian Bach. These compositions reflect the perfect balance between technique and spirituality, distinctive characteristics of Bach's genius.

We will continue with the “Four mazurkas for piano, op. 30” and the “Three mazurkas for piano, op. 50” by Fryderyk Chopin, works that embody the essence of romanticism and Chopin's deep connection with Polish popular music.

Finally, the program will conclude with the “Waldszenen (Forest Scenes) for piano, op. 82” by Robert Schumann, a cycle of songs that evoke the charm and mystery of the romantic nature of the nineteenth century.

A musical journey between technique, romanticism and tradition

Grigory Sokolov is known for his ability to turn every performance into an emotional and intellectual journey. His interpretation of Bach is distinguished by a clarity and depth that recall the purity of the "Klavierübungen" for which Bach wrote his exercises. With Chopin, Sokolov brings to light the delicacy and passion of the mazurkas, revealing their rhythmic and melodic richness. Schumann's “Waldszenen”, in Sokolov's hands, becomes a vivid tale of visions and dreams, a total immersion in the heart of romanticism.

Grigory Sokolov: the extraordinary career of a master

Grigory Sokolov is a unique figure in the world music scene. His career, which began with his victory at the Moscow International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1966, has developed through decades of unforgettable performances. Sokolov has tackled a vast repertoire that includes masterpieces by Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Schubert, Beethoven, Haydn and Prokofiev, as well as pieces by English virginalists, French harpsichordists such as Couperin and Rameau, and works by Froberger.

His choice to propose a single program per season, repeating it at each performance, allows Sokolov to explore each work in depth, offering it to the public with an ever new freshness and precision. This approach makes each concert an unrepeatable event, where the chosen compositions emerge and reveal themselves as precious gems, ready to shine for a season before temporarily retreating into the maestro's vast repertoire.