George Benjamin: Complete Piano Works – Erik Bertsch

George Benjamin, born in 1960, stands as a luminary figure in contemporary British classical music, renowned for his innovative and evocative music. A composer whose sonic palette transcends conventional boundaries, Benjamin’s compositions reveal a distinctive voice that seamlessly weaves together tradition and avant-garde elements, bridging the gap between intellectual rigor and emotional resonance. One of Benjamin’s notable piano works is ‘Shadowlines’ (1979), a piece that showcases his early exploration of intricate textures and meticulous craftsmanship. The composition unfolds with a series of delicate, intertwined lines, creating a sonic tapestry that captivates the listener with its nuanced beauty. Moving forward in time, ‘Piano Figures’ (2006) marks a mature phase in Benjamin’s exploration of the piano’s possibilities. This composition exemplifies his mastery in creating sonic landscapes that are at once introspective and virtuosic. Benjamin’s unique harmonic language and rhythmic complexity are palpable, creating a musical experience that challenges and engages the performer. The Piano Sonata can be considered Benjamin’s first work. At the time seventeen-year-old Benjamin was in Paris, studying composition with Olivier Messiaen and piano with Yvonne Loriod. Born in the Netherlands and based in Italy, Erik Bertsch is a pianist who focuses his attention on contemporary repertoire with curiosity and spirit of research. His commitment to the music of our time has given him the opportunity to work intensively with established composers like George Benjamin, Marco Stroppa, Ivan Fedele, Fabio Vacchi, Alessandro Solbiati and Fabio Nieder. His debut album dedicated to Marco Stroppa’s First Book of Miniature Estrose, was received with enthusiasm and unanimous praise by national and international critics, obtaining 5 stars and the recognition of Cd of the Month for Classic Voice and 5 stars for Diapason (‘Erik Bertsch y déploie une électrisant virtuosité’ Patrick Szersnovicz).