Your events at Classical Events
Details
Colet House
151 Talgarth Rd
Hammersmith
London
W14 9DA
England
Programme
Philip Glass – Piano Etudes: selection
Performers
Giusto Di Lallo – piano
Programme Note
To celebrate the release of his album “Philip Glass - Selected Piano Etudes - 10th Anniversary Special Edition “ (SOMM Recordings, available from 7 February 2025), Giusto Di Lallo will perform a unique concert dedicated to one of Philip Glass’s most iconic works.
Philip Glass (Baltimore, 31 January 1937) is widely known as one of the most celebrated, influential and prolific of the modern composers. Frequently labelled a minimalist, he prefers to describe himself as a composer of “music with repetitive structures”.
Through the decades, Glass’s music has greatly influenced contemporary art, and one of his greatest merits was breaking down the barriers that separated classical music audiences from those of other genres. His extensive body of work includes numerous operas, symphonies, chamber music and musical theatre and film scores.
The Piano Etudes are probably one of Philip Glass’s most representative works.
His unique style is strongly recognizable in each of the 20 Etudes, and in a way, they represent a kind of vocabulary of his entire harmonic, rhythmic and melodic language. He himself has described them as self-portraits of sorts.
The Piano Etudes were composed between 1991 and 2012, largely in response to Glass’ need for repertoire of his solo piano concerts. They are therefore closely linked to Glass both as composer and performer. The goal of this work, as he wrote in the printed sheet music, was “to explore a variety of tempi, textures and piano techniques and at the same time to serve as a pedagogical tool by which I would improve my piano playing”.
Since their publication in December 2014, the Etudes have been enthusiastically embraced by pianists around the world and they have taken their place as modern classics of the literature, bringing their unique soundworlds to new audiences.
Giusto Di Lallo is a versatile and eclectic pianist and composer, renowned for his innovative approach that bridges genres and cultures. Born and raised in Italy, he began his musical journey at the age of four and later honed his skills at the Conservatorio “Lorenzo Perosi” in Campobasso, where he earned a Master’s degree in Piano (2003) and a Master’s degree in Composition (2012).
Since 1996, Giusto has been a dynamic presence in the concert scene, performing on over 1800 occasions, both as a solo pianist and accompanist. His performances showcase a wide-ranging repertoire that spans classical, contemporary and experimental music. Depending on the programmes performed and the different contexts, his concerts often incorporate electro-acoustic elements, using synthesizers, computers and innovative sound design in addition to the piano to create unique soundscapes that transcend traditional genres.
Besides his career as a performing artist, Giusto also works as a composer, arranger and producer, creating music in many different styles. His creative output extends to composing for visual media, theatre and dance. He is also the creator and director of several multimedia shows and provides sound installations for art galleries and unconventional environments, transforming spaces into immersive, multisensory experiences.
PS: The concert will last approximately 90 minutes and will feature a selection of the Etudes.
Drinks will be available before and after the concert.
Tickets on the door (subject to availability): £20, cash only
