Piano Recital: Hélène Grimaud

Cherished works

Hélène Grimaud is an exceptional phenomenon. Whatever she takes on, she carries out with absolute earnestness, and often in opposition to the mainstream. A recital by the French pianist is like a musical revelation. When she finally returns to Hamburg for a piano evening, she brings with her several of the works she cherishes most: Bach’s Chaconne in the brilliant late-Romantic arrangement by Ferruccio Busoni as well as the Intermezzi and Fantasies op. 117 and 116 by Johannes Brahms – examples of the profound late work of the Hamburg master. In the recital, the sophisticated French pianist performs these two showpieces alongside Beethoven’s vocal Sonata Op. 109.