Piotr Anderszewski review – exceptional, even by his meticulous standards

**Interview with Renowned Pianist Piotr Anderszewski at the Barbican, London**

**Interviewer**: Your recent recital at the Barbican featured a program mainly composed of miniatures. What inspired you to select this distinctive lineup?

**Piotr Anderszewski**: I designed this program to draw attention to the beauty and complexity found in smaller pieces. Each miniature, whether it’s Beethoven’s Bagatelles or Bartók’s, contains its own universe. I aimed to create a cohesive sequence that flows naturally, allowing me to delve into profound emotional realms within a concise format.

**Interviewer**: Many attendees praised the remarkable quality of your performance. How do you achieve such precision and balance in your sound?

**Piotr Anderszewski**: I believe every note has significance and contributes to the overall story of the piece. I treat each work like a precious gem, ensuring no note is out of place and every chord is impeccably balanced. For example, the first Bagatelle by Beethoven seems to arise from silence, while the hymn-like third one gently fades away. It’s all about capturing those moments through meticulous attention to detail.

**Interviewer**: Despite your stature as one of today’s leading pianists, the audience turnout was surprisingly modest. Do you think the focus on miniatures might have deterred some concert-goers?

**Piotr Anderszewski**: That could be the case. Miniatures are sometimes overlooked in favor of larger, more dramatic compositions. However, I hope those who attended found it to be a unique experience. Each piece in this program, from Bartók’s modernist works to Brahms’ touching intermezzi, was selected to create a rich tapestry of sound that I believe deserves recognition.

**Interviewer**: You wrapped up the recital with works by Bach, which is a recurring element in your performances. What does Bach represent for you?

**Piotr Anderszewski**: Bach’s music is timeless and serves as a foundational pillar for all pianists. In this recital, I performed the B-flat Partita, BWV 825, emphasizing clarity and articulation. My goal is to present Bach’s pieces on a modern concert grand without unnecessary embellishments, allowing listeners to appreciate the pure beauty of the music.

**Interviewer**: Finally, your encore—a Mazurka by Chopin—provided a striking contrast to the rest of the program. What was your intention behind including it?

**Piotr Anderszewski**: The Mazurka indeed comes from a different sphere, but its unique style captures the essence of Polish music and showcases the diversity and richness of the piano repertoire. I wanted to leave the audience with something that resonates on another level while still connecting back to the themes explored throughout the concert.

**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Piotr. It sounds like it was an unforgettable evening for those lucky enough to be there.