Jan Lisiecki is never merely a virtuoso who strives only for technical mastery; he is always searching for the expression behind the notes, for the emotional truth hidden in every composition. This is also evident in his program “Préludes,” with which he aims to enchant us in Essen, bringing together preludes by Frédéric Chopin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and other great composers. “As an artist, one usually focuses entirely on the present moment during a concert. However, with preludes, there is always a sense of anticipation, preparation, and looking ahead to the next piece,” Jan Lisiecki writes to us about the idea behind his program.

“Traditionally and by definition, a prelude prepares the main performance by creating a specific mood. So, can a piano recital consist solely of such introductions, each seamlessly transitioning into the next, and still be profound?” Anyone who has experienced Jan Lisiecki and his musical depth before will know the answer: Yes, it certainly can.

Photo: Christoph Koestlin