Piano is often the beginning of all music. A simple melody played on a piano can be the start of new compositions or even just a new radio hit it the works. The mastery of the instrument takes time, and is an envious trait to many others who love or are inspired by music. Ludovico Einaudi is at this point a master pianist, and he actually has a live performance just sitting online, not being seen enough. In the world of the music composing industry he’s no stranger, as his exploits are many, though occasionally he takes the stage to publicly unveil is artistry.
This particular production was as the Steve Jobs Theatre in 2019, but the entire set is available now. The Italian pianist and composer gives a little more than an hour of his time to play some of the most moving and evoking sounds. Einaudi plays twelve songs in a production he titles Is It Finished backed by cellist Redi Hasa and violinist Federico Mecozzi. Along with his accompanied colleagues and a sound lighting design, he plays a mixture of previously composed songs with the passion and intensity of a man who’s playing his piano with the fate of the entire world hanging in the balance. Who knows? Maybe he actually was.
Is It Finished takes listeners and viewers on an idyll journey that is liberatingly free from start to finish.
The music will speak for itself, especially when it comes to songs that are purely instrumental and without oversaturation of any kind. Visually, the production is a sight to behold. The production team that shot and edited this cut of the performance bring the appropriate atmosphere to a concert like this. The cinematic aspect allows those watching online to see the musicians up close and personal, feeling what they are feeling whilst they play. Einaudi is especially fascinating to watch as his music clearly affects him heavily, almost as though he can’t even believe he’s the one making it. Then of course there is the music, which summons a superfluity of divergent feeling and a reverence for Einaudi’s knowledge of the craft. His unique ability to mix other genres with a classical foundation makes him near untouchable when it comes to his arrangements. Whether it’s soft or forceful, dejecting or exhilarating, Is It Finished takes listeners and viewers on an idyll journey that is liberatingly free from start to finish.
Every day someone is trying to make the next big hit or the newest masterpiece. That’s fine, and music comes in many forms, but what Ludovico Einaudi is doing is reminding everyone how music truly started. Before fancy production equipment, or new computer programs came along to make everyone sound like a superstar, there was the piano. Einaudi, who is still likely as well versed in the above mentioned, is keeping things simple yet profound at the same time with this live concert. Apple Music has the full collection on their platform, but thankfully, the visual experience is there on YouTube this very moment. Listening is what’s important, but seeing this, it just hits different.
