Berio: Sonata per pianoforte solo (2001)

The piano works of Luciano Berio span the entire life of the composer, and bear perfect witness to the style of this 20th Century genius: based on the techniques of serialism he composes a fascinating world of colours, inventions, wit and virtuosity, extremely challenging for both pianist and audience but a rewarding effort for those with open ears! Francesco Tristano is a phenomenal interpreter of this music. He was born in 1981 in Luxembourg, and studied at the New York Juilliard School. In 2004 he won the prestigious Competition for 20th Century Piano Music in Orléans, which was the start of a successful, if unorthodox, career. He is a composer as well, and gives concerts in which he combines the Classics with his own improvisations. As a Jazz pianist he reaches new audiences. His first recordings were made on the French Sisyphe label, at present he is under contract to Deutsche Grammophon.

Recorded February 2004, Carré Saint Vincent, Orléans, France

Andrea Lucchesini, associated as no other with the piano works of Luciano Berio, presents the most comprehensive collection of the great Italian composer’s solo keyboard oeuvre, including the seminal Sequenza IV, the monumental Sonata, and two works written specially for him. Berio first heard Lucchesini in the 1980s and, captivated by his “pure” pianism, asked him to perform his Concerto II at the Proms in London. From that point their association flourished, Lucchesini continued to add Berio’s works to his repertoire, and gave the world-premiere of the Sonata in 2001. Working relationship turned to friendship and on the occasion of Luccesini’s marriage, Berio presented to him and his wife Valentina Touch, a divertimento for piano four hands. On the same occasion Berio offered another duet as a gift to Valentina’s parents, Canzonetta. Valentina joins her husband in both works on this CD. The comprehensiveness of this album is complemented by the booklet annotation, including a personal note by Lucchesini, a note by Berio on his Sonata, a note by the Sonata’s dedicatee Reinhold Brinkmann, and a note of appreciation by Berio’s widow, Talia. All in all, a unique document of an exceptional collaboration and remarkable friendship.