Lucas Debargue to Grace Carnegie Hall with a Diverse Piano Repertoire

Acclaimed French pianist Lucas Debargue is set to take the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall on February 2, delivering a performance that spans classics and hidden gems. Debargue, who previously enchanted audiences with a 52-sonata album by Scarlatti, continues to explore the rich territory of keyboard music beyond the famous Italian composer.

Pursuing Musical Depth

Debargue has a profound connection to Scarlatti's work, which he deems inexhaustible in its richness and creativity. His approach to piano sonatas reveals a modern interpretation of traditional classics that resonate with listeners on a philosophical level. While not featured in the upcoming program, Scarlatti's influence remains a significant component of Debargue's musical identity.

Revisiting the 'Moonlight Sonata'

In a fresh take on Beethoven's much-adored Piano Sonata No. 14, commonly known as the 'Moonlight Sonata,' Debargue aims to peel back the layers of romantic cliché to reveal the composition's emotional core. He intends to play the piece at a slower tempo, emphasizing the connective tissue between the contrasting movements for a more profound impact on the audience.

Breathing New Life Into Chopin

The concert will also feature two of Chopin's Ballades, pieces close to Debargue's heart. Having learned them early in his career, he revisits these works with a desire to shed conventional interpretations and discover their genuine essence. His goal is to let audiences hear these well-known pieces as if for the first time, injecting a sense of improvisation and freedom into their performance.

Unveiling Musical Treasures

Nikolai Medtner and Miłosz Magin, two composers less known to the general public, will be represented in Debargue's program. He describes Medtner's Piano Sonata in F minor Op. 5 as an epic masterpiece that encapsulates the breadth of Romantic sensibility. Similarly, Debargue champions Magin's compositions, aiming to expand audience's exposure to the full spectrum of piano repertoire.

Lucas Debargue's dedication to blending iconic and obscure works reflects his commitment to both honor tradition and stir curiosity. Attendees can anticipate a night of rediscovery and innovation that pays homage to the greats while also pioneering the new. With tickets available at the Carnegie Hall box office and website, and his upcoming album, Fauré: Complete Music for Solo Piano, to be released on Sony Classical, Debargue's profound musical journey is set to continue its resonance.

concert, piano, virtuoso