ArtMuseLondon : Elizabeth, you have a double album out in which you play Mozart's greatest piano concertos with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Why have you chosen Mozart, and why these concertos?
Elizabeth : Following the difficult times we have gone through, I feel that Mozart can bring us joy, hope, and some much needed magic to our lives. In each concerto, there is an answer to be found - and this provides peace to the soul.
ArtMuseLondon: You seem to thrive on musical challenges. In 2020 you recorded Beethoven's five piano concertos and his Triple Concerto. You have also recorded all Chopin's nocturnes and concertos.
How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for these monumental recordings?
Elizabeth: The most important thing is the preparatory work with the conductor. By the time you practise with the orchestra, you need to have mastered phrasing, timing, and to fully understand the small and the bigger form of the work. Even if the recording is "monumental" as you say, rest and fasting, are key things for me, for my concentration and for my energy.
ArtMuseLondon: Do you still enjoy live performance or do you prefer recording now?
Playing live and recording are two totally different experiences. I hope that the recording might encourage the listener to go and see the artist in concert– however the recording never replaces live performance. A recording provides the listener with a snapshot of a moment and sometimes it is hard to accept that this moment should be immortalised in such an artificial manner. I dream of seeing Chopin in live performance!
Any recording projects in 2024?
Yes – Mozart's other concertos: K414, K491, K271 and K453
ArtMuseLondon : Outside music, what interests you?
I am fascinated by people. How we relate to each other and the things that connect us. I have the same approach to music, I like to see patterns and to fathom the true relationship between two notes, one thousand notes, between two people and one thousand people. I am interested in discovering what produces harmony and unity in both music and people.
KH
Mozart Piano Concertos 20 21 23 27 Elizabeth Sombart Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Pierre Vallet out now on Rubicon Classics.
Elizabeth Sombart has a musical foundation, Fondation Resonnance, whichs provide free classes for all. For more information www.resonnance.org
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