CONCERT REPORT - FABRIZIO PATERLINI

Neoclassical, ambient, or New Age: however you describe the serene beauty of the Italian pianist/composer Fabrizio Paterlini, he himself likens it to 'a glass of red wine on a summer evening.' This was fully manifested last Tuesday evening in our intimate Small Hall, where his music could be felt, heard, and seen.

As soothing bird sounds fill the background, the hall slowly fills up. A loud applause welcomes the string trio, followed by Fabrizio Paterlini himself. Under the focused spotlights on the stage, the concert begins, with piano melodies blending with the violin and cello, accompanied by calming river images in the background.

“What you see is what you hear,” says Paterlini. The album "Riverscape" is part of a collaborative project and was specially composed with inspiration from the images of photographer Kristel Schneider, who is inspired by the currents, rhythms, and stories carried by the water. "The river carries memories within its waters," he adds. These emotions inspired him to compose the piece "Water has memories."

Paterlini shares the story behind each piece. For instance, he reveals that while composing the album 'Music from Autumn Stories', his inspiration came from his surroundings in Mantua, Italy. He describes how he often woke up to thick fog around his cottage. Although it was sometimes inconvenient because he couldn't see while driving, he found it very romantic.

The addition of soothing images, the use of strings, as well as electronic sounds, make it an evening full of tranquility and emotion, where Paterlini's music touches the audience, and the images add an extra dimension. Yet, he manages to balance all that emotion well with the occasional light-hearted joke. He jokingly apologizes for forgetting his glasses, which made it difficult for him to read the text on his sheet. "But glasses make me less handsome," he adds with a wink.

Paterlini promises to conclude his concert with three songs that would reflect his home, because wherever he goes, he shares a piece of his home with his audience. After a standing ovation, he leaves the stage with the string trio, but to everyone's surprise, he returns soon with a smile! He explains his quick return with a humorous reference to a previous show where he returned late and the hall was empty.

After thanking the string quartet and the technical crew of Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, he now truly begins his final three songs, including the well-known 'Rue des Trois Frères'. Together with the string trio, he concludes the evening with a hopeful piece, as he doesn't want to send the audience home too emotionally overwhelmed.

And so, with a surprising ending and a touch of humor, Paterlini concludes the evening, once again receiving a standing ovation for this beautiful night!

Did you miss the concert? Or do you just want to savor the moment a little longer? Then check out the photos of the concert here, taken by Jostijn Ligtvoet.