Maurizio Pollini, piano

Fryderyk Chopin: 24 Preludes, Op.28
Interval
Claude Debussy: Voiles (Préludes, Bk.1 No.2)
Claude Debussy: Le vent dans la plaine (Préludes, Bk.1 No.3)
Claude Debussy: Les sons et les parfums tournent (Préludes, Bk.1 No.4)
Claude Debussy: Des pas sur la neige (Préludes, Bk.1 No.6)
Claude Debussy: Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest (Préludes, Bk.1 No.7)
Claude Debussy: La cathédrale engloutie (Préludes, Bk.1 No.10)
Pierre Boulez: Piano Sonata No.2

Please note that Maurizio Pollini's recital has been re-scheduled from Friday 29 April 2011 for health reasons.

In this unusual programme which explores aspects of 'French' music, pianist Maurizio Pollini presents the piano compositions of musical innovators and forward-thinkers, from colourful and visionary Preludes by Chopin and Debussy to Pierre Boulez and the present day. Pollini is a lifelong champion of contemporary music and his recording of Pierre Boulez's early Second Sonata on Deutsche Grammophon (DG) is regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of this work.

One of five recitals at Royal Festival Hall performed by Pollini during the International Piano Series 2010/11.

'Boulez describes the piano as "an instrument peculiarly prone to frenzy", and the second sonata of 1958 combines an expressive fury with a Beethovenian grandeur and reach... the most craggily impressive [recording] is still the one from Maurizio Pollini on DG. Beside the violence, you find in early Boulez a hot sensuality.' (BBC Music Magazine).

'Pollini is not only one of our greatest living Chopin interpreters but one of a handful whose playing seems truly twined with the composer's intentions.' (Fanfare)

Watch Maurizio Pollini discussing the Pollini Project in this BBC4 interview.

Young Persons' Platform tickets for just £7 are available for those aged between 15 and 25. Please note, these are only available by phoning the Ticket Office on 0844 875 0073.

Maurizio Pollini piano