On Tuesday evening, I had the special opportunity to go a Ludovico Einaudi concert. You’re probably ask yourself “Who the heck is Ludovico Einaudi?” He’s a wonderful pianist on tour in the United States and Canada. He was born and lives in northern Italy.
I stumbled upon Einaudi after viewing The Mountain, a time lapse video that features his music as the soundtrack. From that day forward, I have really become a fan. I’ve purchased three of his CDs, made my ringtone a clip of Nuvole Bianche, and now have had the pleasure of seeing him live.
It’s funny, as a 25 year old, that I never expected to enjoy piano music as much as I do. In fact, during my younger years as a valet, I remember saying to myself that I’d never like that kind of music. You’d understand how I felt if you had to listen to the radio of a pompous ass who just tipped you 50 cents for parking his Jaguar. Still, Einaudi’s compositions are unlike most of the other music of the same genre. I don’t know what that “thing” is that makes Mozart orĀ Beethoven so incredible, but Einaudi is on their level to me.
I met up with one of my best friends, Rich Pezzillo, in Metro Center and we took theĀ train over to the Kennedy Center. It was the first time I’d ever been there. The theater we were in seated about 150-200 people and surprisingly was only about 75% full.
Einaudi played for 90 minutes, mixing in songs from new and old albums. As Rich put it, “you were able to close your eyes and feel the music.”
I even stayed after the concert for a meet-and-greet and autograph. As he was signing my CD, I asked “Posso prendere una foto con te?” (Can I take a picture with you?). He said very nicely that if he takes one with me, he has to get one with everyone. I did what anyone would do and waited until the very end of the line and got this picture.
I encourage everyone to check out Ludovico Einaudi on youtube or iTunes.