Julius Asal

BBC Radio 3 Rush Hour Concert

A concert of musical mavericks, from young Beethoven to young Asal via the ever-eclectic Chilly Gonzales.

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 1 is one of the most assertive calling cards in musical history. Composed in 1795, it sounds as fresh and exhilarating today as it must have to its first audiences. Chilly Gonzales has collaborated with a vast range of musicians, from Drake to Daft Punk to the Kaiser Quartett to Billie Eilish. His recent ‘Vendettas’ find him teaming up with likeminded musical explorer Julius Asal.

Asal’s spectacular improvisations have become a regular feature of his recitals. Here, he riffs on Tchaikovsky’s famous ‘Nutcracker’ Suite.

Recently described as one of the ‘most exciting young musicians in the world’ (The Telegraph), Julius Asal mixes improvisation with fresh takes on the classical repertoire to thrilling effect.

Programme: Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No 1 · Chilly Gonzales Selection from ‘Eleven Vendettas’ · Julius Asal Nutcracker Improvisations — Julius Asal piano