Pierre-Laurent Aimard

Yesterday I attended a concert by Pierre-Laurent Aimard. It was an all-Debussy concert; he played both books of Preludes. I sat in the eighth row directly in front of the piano (by the front leg) I've sat through all the preludes before, but not in this position relative to the piano. Aimard's playing was very nice, although, I admit I don't know all the preludes very well, so I can't say if he botched anything up or not. I heard a couple little fluffs, but nothing bad. Anyway, sitting where I sat felt like all the beautiful harmonies and colors washed right over me, which was a nice sensation. And I really like the last prelude in book 1--"Minstrels". It's so fun! Not sure how difficult it is to play--it's coming off my printer as I type this. I see we don't have it on the site and wonder if that's because it's too hard? Guess I'll find out....

I'm sure Aimard has played this music many, many times, but it looked like he still enjoys playing it, going by his facial expressions and body language. But he didn't play any encore, and he dressed rather casually - black pants and a black shirt--not tucked in, with a black t-shirt showing through the open neck. That's always interesting to me - to see how these professionals present themselves. Some dress formally, and some don't.

 

Hi Didier,

Ohhh....you know, I have wanted to watch that video for a long time and meant to purchase it, but then forgot to. It does indeed look very interesting! That clip alone was interesting!!
Thank you, Didier. I will put this on my shopping list. Except, I just thought of something... Maybe I can't watch the DVD. It says something about it not playing in American DVD machines or something like that.... :? Do you know?

 

Thank you, Didier. I just purchased the DVD. Not sure it will play on my machines. But if it does not, then maybe it will on my computer *fingers crossed*. If not, then I'll just have to fly over to Europe to watch my little DVD... :lol:

 

Didier, I hope you see this.....

I received the DVD, "Pianomania" in the mail today and just finished watching it. What a great movie....very entertaining....I so thoroughly enjoyed it! I wish everybody here would watch it and then we could have a movie discussion. There is so much to talk about; I can hardly contain myself! Really, I am completely amazed by the amount of work that the piano technician did for the various recordings. It's mindboggling! And even though I just saw Aimard play a concert in person, watching him play Bach in this movie somehow impressed me more. How fast and clean he plays. Also Brendel... both of them--such careful listening to each note. Wow! And then there are the recording technicians. More wow!! I wish I could be one of those guys. I wish I could live my life over again...