As the final golden rays of the evening sun disappear behind London's skyline, the esteemed Royal Albert Hall transforms into a lavish gallery for the concluding night of Ludovico Einaudi's latest exhibition of emotive soundscapes. A splendid fusion of the old and the new, highlights from his career interlace with a breathtaking performance from his recent album, 'The Summer Portraits'.
Opening the evening, Sam Lee delivers a stirring combination of vocal vibrato and ecological advocacy, drawing from ancient English folklore and artistry. One song pays homage to the moon's influence, while another honors his renowned Nightingale project. "A few times each year," he shares, "we venture into the Sussex forests with a small audience. The Nightingales harmonize with us," he smiles. Lee's smooth voice and vocal finesse shine through, enhanced by traditional music from the British Isles and Romany traveler culture. Together with the gentle, rhythmic interplay of the shruti box resting on his lap, Lee and his band skillfully create a serene atmosphere that lingers into the night.
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The remainder of the evening showcases a selection of the Italian composer’s finest pieces, creating a continuous flow of emotive melodies. The arches of the balconies rise gracefully, forming a magnificent amphitheater for the fedora-wearing maestro and his skilled orchestra. It is far from a blank slate for his musical offerings but rather sets a benchmark for the artistry displayed in opening tracks like 'Rose Bay', 'To Be Sun', and 'Punta Bianca', all enveloped in rich instrumental splendor.
This evening marked the climax of a remarkable week of record-breaking performances at the London venue, a fitting salute to Einaudi’s position as the most-streamed pianist in history. As summer peaks in the UK, the city enjoys a memorable, warm July night filled with a nuanced collection of masterful storytelling and exceptional musicianship. Surrounded by the ornate ambiance of the iconic hall, it serves as an ideal backdrop for music that doesn’t demand attention but subtly invites and earns it from its audience. Einaudi provides an expansive cinematic experience, highlighting the wealth of film and TV projects his music has accompanied.
The set flows seamlessly between intensity and gentleness, offering moments for reflection before the audience is swept up in the richness and volume of crescendos from the Rimini Classica ensemble. Popular pieces like ‘Nuvole Bianche’ and ‘Fly’ are given fresh space to soar within the grand hall. As the string sections swell with each peak, the air thickens, creating a wall of sound that ascends to the vast discs encircling the hall’s ceiling, descending like dappled beams of light. Ever-changing shades of deep blue, orange, and red evolve as the tone of the set shifts.
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At times, we might overlook the immense power and presence of a single instrument. Lyricism can forge a connection between artist and audience and serve as the primary vehicle for storytelling. Once more, Einaudi’s sonic wonderland resists being confined by expectations. As the performance transitions from the delicate opening notes of ‘I Giorni’ to the sweeping grandeur of ‘Experience’, the dynamics frequently fluctuate, creating cherished, quiet moments for reflection.
On occasion, Redi Hasa’s cello takes center stage as the main storyteller, embodying joy with a gleam in his eye and a bright smile. Other times, Francesco Arcuri’s thoughtful, percussive textures introduce darker tones, allowing space for contemplation and shadow. At one point, the ensemble fades away, leaving Einaudi beneath a lone spotlight. Delicate piano keys dance through the silence, conjuring intricate emotional landscapes with the lightest touch. Elegance and restraint emerge through repeated phrases, subtle modulations, gentle rises, and soaring crescendos. New pieces from ‘The Summer Portraits’ seem crafted for this environment, imbued with warmth, nostalgia, yearning, and the soft golden glow of twilight. They evoke a sense of melancholy, yet harbor optimism.
Einaudi’s atmospheric beauty resides in the balance of gentleness and overwhelming strength. Unlike the intimate, ornate settings of his Palladium performances late last year, which featured selections from ‘The Summer Portraits’, this vast space adds a new dimension. Works that thrived in the relative intimacy of the Palladium take a backseat, while former lesser-known pieces shine in the spotlight of the Royal Albert Hall. With no devices allowed, the music can be fully appreciated without distraction.
As the concert concludes, the experience feels unique and sacred, transporting listeners to a space that is both personal and communal. Einaudi’s talent has always been in his ability to narrate tales without words. This evening, in one of the world’s most iconic venues, he reminds us just how eloquently silence can express itself.
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Words: Maddy Smith Photo Credit: The Red Beanie
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As the final golden beams of the late evening sun sink below London's skyline, the esteemed Royal Albert Hall transforms into a lavish gallery for the conclusion.