Denis Matsuev

Denis Matsuev is considered one of the best pianists in the world. In 2020, the Siberian-born virtuoso will tour through Europe, visiting renowned concert halls such as the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf, the Berlin Konzerthaus, the Smetana Hall in Prague, the luxurious Kurhaus in Wiesbaden, the Herkulessaal in Munich and Hamburg's spectacular Elbphilharmonie. As the most important contemporary representative of the famous Russian piano school, Denis Matsuev renders compositions that are among the most demanding and precious pearls of the piano repertoire. Due to its several innovations, Ludwig van Beethoven's last Piano Sonata No. 32 is, without any doubt, one of the most significant pieces of its genre. As a monumental introduction to the concert, it gives Matsuev the opportunity to demonstrate his fascinating virtuosity, his absolute mastery of sound and his enormous charisma. Franz Liszt's piano sonata in B minor is not lesser monumental. It is considered as one of the most demanding and magnificent piano creations of the Romantic period and requires a pianist like Matsuev, who can make his instrument sound as variable and opulent as an entire orchestra. Denis Matsuev juxtaposes these two works of Central European Romantic influence with pieces by two composers who are among the most outstanding representatives of Russian piano music. Sergei Rachmaninov's Variations on a Theme by Corelli is the last large work by the composer whose music Matsuev interprets as a renowned expert. As it is so often the case with Peter I. Tchaikovsky, the composers Meditation Op. 72 No. 5 leads straight into the unspeakable depths of the soul that lie beneath the superficial beauty of the music – a piece written for a gifted technician liked Denis Matsuev, who, in the blink of an eye, can change from a delicate miniaturist to a roaring piano titan. Undoubtedly the piano event of the year!