CHOPIN EFFECT - Łukasz Krupiński

Between passion and reflection

The works of Robert Schumann and Fryderyk Chopin will meet in one recital. At the piano — Łukasz Krupiński, pianist appreciated for his sensitivity, musicality and ability to build great, tense forms.

The evening will open with Robert Schumann's Kreislerian Op. 16 — one of the composer's most personal and unusual piano cycles. Inspired by the character of the eccentric bandmaster Johannes Kreisler from the story of E.T.A. Hoffmann, the pieces guide the listener through a world of violent contrasts: from impetuosity and dramatic anxiety to moments of lyrical silence. This is the music of changeable moods and phrases, as well as romantic fantasy.

The second part of the recital will belong to the music of Fryderyk Chopin. The subtle Mazurek in F minor Op. 63 No. 2 will show its extraordinary character transforming a simple dance rhythm into music full of melancholy and intimacy. It will be followed by Nocturne in F major op. 15 no. 1 — lyrical, sonorous and full of elegance, though not devoid of inner tension.

Then Chopin will reveal his dramatic face. The Etude in C minor Op. 10 No. 12, known as “Revolutionary”, is one of the composer's most recognizable works. Her violent movement, powerful chords and increasing tension create an image of a musical element in which virtuosity is combined with expression.

Finally, Fantasia in F minor, Op. 49 — a work of exceptional dramaturgy, escaping simple genre categories. Chopin combines marching rhythm, singing, dramatic climaxes and moments of almost improvised freedom. It is music full of contrasts, leading from focus to a powerful finale.

Łukasz Krupiński's recital will therefore be a journey through different shades of romanticism — from Schumann fever and fantasy to Chopin intimacy, melancholy and drama. Two great individual musical languages will meet in the interpretation of the pianist, for whom virtuosity is not an end in itself, but a means of extracting its emotional depth from music.

Łukasz Krupiński is a Polish-British pianist, appreciated for his lyricism, poeticism of interpretation and depth of expression. Since his debut at Carnegie Hall, he has performed with the world's leading orchestras and in prestigious venues in Europe, Asia and North America. Winner of international piano competitions, including winner of the Piano Competition in San Marino and finalist of the Ferruccio Busoni Competition. In 2015, he was among the 20 semi-finalists of the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. His debut album Espressione was nominated for the International Classical Music Awards and received international critical acclaim.

Concert realized as part of the “Chopin Effect” project in cooperation with the Fryderyk Chopin Institute, co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.