SMCQ | À la croisée des pianos 8 : Moritz Ernst Completes the Cycle with Success

From November 3 to 5, the SMCQ presents a veritable piano marathon. A series of eight concerts will be presented in the concert hall of the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique de Montréal, making this a not-to-be-missed event in contemporary piano. The PAN M 360 team will be attending the event and sharing their impressions throughout the three days.

For the last of the 8 concerts organized by the SMCQ around the contemporary repertoire, Moritz Ernst once again took to the stage to complete Sandeep Bhagwati’s cycle, Music of Crossings, a grand cycle of 36 fragments which had begun on Friday evening. This recital also closed the marathon offered by the SMCQ.

Ernst did not disappoint the audience, maintaining throughout the concert the high level of playing to which he had already accustomed us in his two other interpretations of Bhagwati’s music. From the fragments presented on Sunday, a more dreamlike and sometimes humorous theme seemed to emerge. Indeed, the fragments, always accompanied by a short text projected on the back wall of the hall, were at times spare, with resonant melodic lines. These extracts invited contemplation and contemplation. Conversely, some highly rhythmic fragments brimmed with contagious, sometimes playful energy. Once again, the repertoire on offer was full of contrasts, and Moritz Ernst was able to underline these contrasts in a very convincing manner. The pianist once again reaffirmed his great versatility as a pianist, as much in his agility as in his sensitivity.

The last notes of the last fragment, of the last concert of the evening and of the series, were played pianissimo, fading into the hall. The audience watched in silence as the final notes of the piece were played out, in a highly successful and contemplative manner. The pianist and composer were warmly applauded, and deservedly so. A superb conclusion to this marathon!

For the full SMCQ program, click HERE!