Pianist Helene Grimaud pays homage to one of Ukraines greatest living composers
H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud and Konstantin Krimmel \u2014 Silvestrov: Silent Songs (DG)
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New Classical Tracks - H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud
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\u201cHis music is his poetry. It has exceptional transparency. It's simple in the language yet so expressive. Do you know what they say in French? This expression, \xe0 fleur de peau \u2014 \u2018means I want to pull something on the skin's surface that reaches deep,\u2019\u201d says French pianist H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud about the music of one of Ukraine\u2019s greatest living composers, Valentin Silvestrov. \u201cIt is pervasive and something that grabs you by the heart and hand and takes you quite far. It's a beautiful journey.\u201d
Her most recent recording, Silvestrov: Silent Songs, also features German/Romanian baritone Konstantin Krimmel as they pay homage to Silvestrov and perform 12 of his 24 \u2018Silent Songs.\u2019
What was it like performing these works in front of the composer?
\u201cWe met just before the performance, which was the one to be recorded. To meet him afterward and get into his head was a gift. It is a privilege to ask a creator because we always hoped we would have the chance to do it. It's both intimidating and wonderful to have that possibility.
\u201cOne thing that fascinated me was that he confirmed my suspicions. Part of the artistic process in the composition is about catching the music. It comes to him as something preexisting. I think there's something extraordinary about it.\u201d
Can you talk about some of the poets that are represented on the album?
\u201cThere is a poem by John Keat. It has to do with the melody. The melody is equivalent to a smile, and it is what enables connection. He says you can connect through that smile when you meet another being.
\u201cBecause of the hypnotic melody, every time it comes back, it has a different connotation. What better theme is there than love in all its d\xe9clinaisons?\u201d
What is the role of the piano in these songs?
\u201cI feel that the role of the piano in this cycle is that of confidence. How would one say that in English? It\u2019s the person you confide in and comes with a higher responsibility because you must take in those secrets and nurture them. There's a beautiful give and take and the music has this ebb and flow, which becomes an integral part of the expression.\u201d
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To hear the rest of my conversation, click on the extended interview above, or\xa0download the extended podcast on iTunes\xa0or wherever you get your podcasts.
Resources
H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud and Konstantin Krimmel \u2014 Silvestrov: Silent Songs (DG Store)
H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud and Konstantin Krimmel \u2014 Silvestrov: Silent Songs (Amazon)
H\xe9l\xe8ne Grimaud (official site)