CHRISTIAN ZACHARIAS

Christian Zacharias grew up with his father’s collection of shellac records. His parents listened to »unemotional music« such as Haydn, Zacharias explains, which undoubtedly shaped his taste. It is therefore not surprising that he first made a name for himself as an interpreter of Scarlatti and Mozart. He also appreciates the clarity of Haydn, which demands the great art of listening. The Ludwigsburg audience will also have the opportunity to practise this skill at Zacharias’ recital in the Ordenssaal, where the pianist will present three of his specialities: piano sonatas by Haydn and Scarlatti, reflecting his beginnings and original repertoire. In Schubert’s »Moments Musicaux«, he demonstrates his extensive and nuanced understanding and performance of Schubert. The juxtaposition of Couperin and Poulenc, as he does, is one of his latest innovations: although the two French composers are 200 years apart, they are surprisingly close musically; when listening, one floats »between two worlds«, according to Zacharias. The »harmonically delicate journeys« of Poulenc and Couperin form the third element of his outstanding recital, which, despite its interpretative grandeur, also emphasises musical finesse.