Ludovico Einaudi, Birmingham Symphony Hall - review
Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi stopped off at Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Tuesday during his short yet sweet UK tour, resulting in a particularly special weeknight.
Most people stumble on Einaudi without even realising it as his music appears in the background of a vast array of adverts and fans of This Is England will know him better than they think after his music appeared in the majority of the series.
The 2262-capacity venue was silenced throughout extensive set from the minute Einaudi graced the stage and took his rightful seat on the piano with his back to the crowd.
The set was split into two halves, starting off with material from his latest album Elements, the first classical album to reach the top 15 in 23 years, followed by a 20 minute interval and his second set which saw new efforts and select fan favourites.
Einaudi is clearly a man of very little words which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's clear that the music does the talking and the crowds eat out of his gifted pianist hands.
Joined by five other musical virtusos, guitar, strings, percussion and electronic effects, the six plough through select tracks from Elements including Perticor, Night, Drop and Whirling Winds.
Einaudi fails to turn round once, focusing on conducting his fellow musicians and gracefully tapping away at his piano.
The team of virtusos keep the sold out audience engaged, plucking and bashing a variety of estranged instruments, keeping the audience on their toes as to what they're about to do next.
Bladders were emptied and plastic cups were topped up during the interval before the group returned to the stage to deliver newer tracks and surprisingly disappointing array of older favourites but fans didn't seem to be phased, and gawped on at the musical bunch.
Experience and Divenere pleased the audience who blissfully nodded along before the musicians were individually thanked by Enaudi – who finally spoke and turned to face the crowd – who were all returned with a standing ovation.
Classical music is something that I don't often choose to listen to but Ludovico Einaudi has a little bit of something for everyone – he's the leader of the pack and Tuesday night shows just how much more he has to give.
By Lucy Thompson
