Apart from the mandatory face mask and the carefully executed vaccine certificate check, corona seemed not to exist in Brussels that evening. After nearly two years of cultural mourning, the piano-loving audience could finally take their seats again in the comfortable armchairs of the Brussels conservatory. In the new series of Brussels Chopin Days, the first concert was presented by none other than Severin von Eckardstein.
Von Eckardstein's track record and his accomplished career speak for themselves. He has worked with top conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Philippe Herreweghe, Lothar Zagrosek, and Marek Janowski. He has performed in the world's most prestigious concert halls and won several prestigious awards, including the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2003.
On Friday evening, October 8th, he delighted the audience with the two nocturnes from opus 27 and an arrangement of the slow movement from Chopin's first piano concerto, arranged by composer Carl Reinecke. Von Eckardstein's measured and restrained performance ensured that the audience didn't miss the absent orchestra for a moment. This was followed by the equally impressive polonaise opus 26, no. 1, the well-known second ballade, opus 38, and the mazurka opus 17, number 4. The highlight and conclusion of this already breathtaking program was formed by Chopin's third piano sonata, in which von Eckardstein managed to render the countless shifts in mood with equal ease and virtuosity.
The audience was so overwhelmed by this unique piano talent that they called von Eckardstein back to the stage six times. In return, those present received two brilliantly performed encores, including a mazurka by Chopin.
Following this impressive opening of a new Brussels Chopin Days series, everyone is eagerly looking forward to what comes next. The second concert will be presented by the renowned Russian pianist Alexander Romanovsky, who will immerse the audience on November 4, 2021 at 8 p.m. in yet other works from the Chopin universe.
- WHAT: Concert Severin von Eckardstein as part of the Brussels Chopin Days
- WHO: Severin von Eckardstein (piano)
- WHERE: Royal Conservatory Brussels
- WHEN: Friday, October 8, 2021
text: Margaux Edeling
