Marc-André Hamelin

During his previous recitals we got to know Marc-André Hamelin as an exceptionally fiery virtuoso, a merciless tamer of keys, and a wizard of colourful magic and sound poetry. Hamelin is also unusual in his choice of repertoire. Alongside the well-known canon, he has a predilection for obscure ‘rarities’. Or for pieces that are so difficult that no one dares tackle them. This is once again the case here: Scriabin and Prokofiev are tough nuts to crack. With Lisztian heroism, broad gestures and powerful textures, in his Third Sonata Scriabin explores the existential power and chasms of the soul. Prokofiev unleashes his demons in ‘Sarcasms’, a series of studies of mockery and irony with daring juxtapositions. But Hamelin’s hands bring the piano to life. And you can a privileged witness to it!