It had been more than 10 years since the city of Barcelona awaited the return of the French pianist Hélène Grimaud, and the excitement was palpable in the atmosphere and the ovation that the artist received as she stepped onto the stage.
A memorable concert right from the first piece, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 30. Following with the artist’s quintessential composer, Johannes Brahms. The Three Intermezzi marked the end of an energetic first half thanks to their passionate character.
After a brief pause, Brahms’ Fantasies Op. 116 stood out for their introspective nature, intense lyricism, and the constant alternation of agitated moments and brief instants of calm.
Almost without transition between one piece and another, though with some applause in between, the concert closed with the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni's piano transcription of the Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 BWV.1004 for violin. A complex and exuberant piece recognized by those who dare to interpret it.
Hélène Grimaud once again demonstrated her virtuosity and made the last concert of the 23/24 season memorable by gifting us three encores: Études-Tableaux 2 and 3 by Rachmaninoff and Bagatelle III by Silvestrov.