Ludovico Einaudi at the London Palladium

Acclaimed Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi has yet again graced London fans with two sold-out shows this November ahead of next year’s release of his latest album, The Summer Portraits. This time performing in the West End, the iconic London Palladium, with its grandeur and historic charm, provided the perfect setting and atmospheric contrast to Einaudi’s emotive minimalism which blends classical, pop and contemporary styles.

Typically performing as a trio in recent years with Redi Hasa on cello and multi-instrumentalist Federico Mecozzi on violin, Einaudi’s performance at the London Palladium also featured a new collaboration with the Rimini Classica String Ensemble, alongside a rhythm section, including percussion, bass and keyboards and the addition of an accordionist. This musical formation enlivened the performance and Einaudi’s more minimalist compositions, with each instrumentalist contributing further depth and texture. Greater storytelling was also achieved, with a sense of magic and playfulness, especially with the addition of the xylophone and accordion, which helped to transport the audience and to reimagine Einaudi’s beloved songs.

The silent conversation between the pianist and his collaborators was seamless, with Einaudi communicating with them through subtle glances and gestures, understanding how each musician and their instrument played an irreplaceable role in bringing every song to life, while allowing space for each to shine in their own capacity.  Most heartwarming was the eye contact between Einaudi, Mecozzi and Hasa, which showed an intimacy built over many years of collaboration and joint performance, the clear joy on their faces a testament to their sincere connection.

As the evening unfolded, the Italian composer moved effortlessly between some of his celebrated pieces, including favourites such as Nuvole Bianche, and a pleasingly drawn out and nuanced version of I Giorni, which delighted and comforted in its melodic repetition, further made beautiful by the accompanying richness of the strings, pushing listeners deeper into each moment. Such softness was heavily contrasted by the arrival of songs such as the explosive and powerful Elements. A deeply immersive piece, especially when performed live, the interplay between the piano and its accompanying textures created a rich soundscape, building gradually in power and anticipation through the use of minor yet deliberate shifts, enveloping the listener and entrancing them through emotional contemplation.

Still, an Einaudi performance would not be complete without his ubiquitous song Experience, which has been streamed over 500 million times and is traditionally reserved for his finale. It provided an impressive ending to an incredible evening, broken only by Einaudi’s welcoming of all of the artists, before resuming the song at its climax, bursting into a rich crescendo of sound before the audience.

A rare opportunity to experience Einaudi’s music in such a storied venue, the evening reaffirmed why the Italian composer’s success continues to skyrocket. His ability to connect with his audience through music and to touch the listener on a deeply emotional level serves as a reminder of why he remains one of the most loved composers in the contemporary classical space and of our time.

Rasha Barazi
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Ludovico Einaudi’s website here.

Watch a live performance of Experience here: