Ludovico Einaudi stages Concertgebouw takeover
NewsThe Italian pianist and composer has booked the Concertgebouw for half a week in November to promote his forthcoming Decca album, titled Underwater.
Old-timers cannot remember when a living composer last had three consecutive nights at Amsterdam’s premier venue, and with the expectation of a full house. Einaudi has performed six times before at the C’bouw, always to a packed attanedance.
This time, on November 14, 15 and 16, he will appear with violinist Federico Mecozzi (violin, viola), Redi Hasa (cello) and Francesco Arcuri (percussion).
In the 19th century (and early 20th) the Concertgebouw housed boxing matches, with café table setting in the auditorium, so it is simply picking-up an old tradition of simple entertainment.
And then, Einaudi is not a serious composer, it’s business. Maybe the Concertgebouw can use the profit it will be making to invest in some classical chamber music series.
For the Dutch, there is no difference between simple entertainment and classical music, it’s all on the same level: nice and happily meaningless.
A lot of people will consider your opinion as cynical and insulting. However, we still live in a free country.
It’s neither, these are mere facts of life. In terms of culture, the country is different from – say – France or Germany where culture, and thus: classical music, is part of national identity. It has to do with the way the Netherlands were born: as a trading area, fighting themselves free from Spain. Trade, not culture, is part of national identity. Which is sad, because there’s much talent available. Mostly they go abroad.
Can not agree more!Problem is: since more than a decade there are in Holland’s most prestigious Concerthalls NO serious/knowledgable programm Directors anymore.
I’ve always thought that the Netherlands punched well above its weight in most areas, and I still do.
That national identity you seem to devalue was mighty helpful during the horror and privations of war – instigated by the ‘cultured’ Germans.
Beethoven turned Diabelli’s easy listening into a masterpiece. Get to work, John.
Sally
This is a false comment in my name against which I forcefully protest. I always prefer Diabelli, Boulez and Xenakis to Beethoven.
Sally
2 hours of ringtones….To each his own
Or… two hours of music that many find mesmerising, peaceful, exciting, moving, entertaining etc. But if you struggle to understand that everyone likes different things, that sounds like a ‘you’ problem 🙂
As long as I can safely enjoy my Boulez CD’s and Viennese schlagers, I’m fine with other people enjoying Beethoven and that stuff.
Sally
I saw a recital of his on subscription TV and was bored rigid after about 10 minutes. He’s a kind of lowest-level Philip Glass, from what I can tell.
But, if people like it……..
I cannot understand how anyone can tolerate Einaudi’s anodyne drivelling for more than a few minutes.
It is not so difficult…. some people prefer easy stuff that does not distract from their thoughts. It’s like calming wallpaper. Maybe Einaudi fans are very neurotic and anxious people in some therapy and have been advised to look for experiences which reduce anxiety levels. It is far less unhealthy than taking tranquilizers, although the dangers of addiction are comparable.
Dr Hofstadter from the Texas Institue of Technology had, 7 1/2 years ago, embarked upon a research project about Einaudi Addiction Withdrawel Symptoms but got addicted himself and had to break-off the program.
Some therapists prescribe Einaudi cures for the over-educated, to ventilate brain pressure.
It’s very popular. My own PA once simulated being overworked to get such cure, and has been relatively happy ever since.
It’s not true! I was really overworked.
Sally
The Concertgebouw will become a huge elevator for those 3 nights to comply with the artistic level of the music played.
It only becomes a problem if Einaudi is going to stay there.
Count me out.
Yes, as Samuel Goldwyn once said, you can include me out too.
Composer! Do me a favour, don’t insult my intelligence, you will be telling me next that Karl Jenkins has talent
Hmm…..
Living?….check.
Composer?…well he writes down little tinkling pieces.
Now if he wants to hire any venue for however long I couldn’t care less. The revenue will be very handy for them.
Serious composer though, he ain’t. You could hear more interesting ‘music’ at a New Age meditation class and that’s saying something.
Having had my little rant I will now say that like AndrĂ© Rieu, if it makes folk happy I’m all in favour. Each to their own but I just can’t take the man seriously and I defy anyone with wide-ranging musical tastes to last more than ten minutes without falling asleep-or worse.
Bland, inoffensive music for bland, inoffensive people.
That’s entirely right.
Next to Karl Jenkins, Einaudi is the music world’s foremost purveyor of classical muzak. He represents the triumph of the simulacrum, schlock that satisfies a broad public conception of what serious “classical” music sounds like. It’s crap.