If you have not heard of Louis Schwizgebel yet, you will very soon.
The young Swiss-Chinese pianist won the Geneva International Music Competition at the age of 17 and, in 2013, he was announced as a BBC New Generation Artist.
To date, he has performed and recorded extensively across the globe and he will soon be adding Malta to his list.
“I don’t come from a family of musicians; my parents are both visual artists,” says Schwizgebel.
“However, they do love music and often go to classical concerts and listen to the radio, so I think I was always surrounded by music. I started learning the piano aged six and, as soon as I started to play, I knew that this was what I wanted to do.”
Knowing one’s career path at the age of six is precocious to say the least. It is this determination and confidence that has brought Schwizgebel international acclaim.
Critics worldwide have lauded his clarity and energy, some even calling him a young genius. Perhaps the most impressive element of his career is his transformation from a child prodigy to a mature artist.
It is Schwizgebel’s level-headedness that has saved him from the path to oblivion that is often the fate of so many child prodigies.
Very often, the tough rehearsal and performance schedule proves too much for these young artists. But Schwizgebel has always taken these things in his stride. This includes that much-coveted, feared and hated platform of piano competitions.
“Even though the concept of competitions is somehow anti-artistic, I think that they are very important when you are a young musician and student, because they give you an opportunity to become known in the musical world.
“More importantly, they give you a valuable chance to test your nerves. Especially if you want to have a solo career, this is something that you have to get used to, and it’s excellent practice.”
It is Schwizgebel’s level-headedness that has saved him from the path to oblivion that is often the fate of so many child prodigies
Schwizgebel feels more at home with the classical repertoire and early 20th-century French repertoire, which is good news for us.
He will be presenting a programme of Haydn, Schubert and Ravel for his recital at the Manoel Theatre, a veritable musical triathlon, with each one presenting its own particular challenges.
Schubert’s piano music is sadly overshadowed by his lieder, but his sonatas are complex monumental works that stand their ground next to his mighty contemporary Beethoven.
“I feel as though this particular sonata is almost orchestral in its writing,” says Schwizgebel.
“It’s like a symphony for the piano; it reminds me of his9th Symphony, also known as The Great.”
Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, also on the programme, is no less monumental. This three-movement work, based on poems by Aloysius Bertrand, has the unappealing reputation of being one of the most difficult pieces in the repertoire.
“The voicing is hugely challenging,” affirms Schwizgebel. “Creating many colours and textures within such a soft dynamic range is very difficult; you need to manage variety in small parameters.
“But if you can master these difficulties, it’s very rewarding to play. It feels as though you are delving into an amazing fantasy world.”
One could say that Schwizgebel has ‘an ear for colour’, surely something absorbed from his parents’ visual arts background.
Perhaps not coincidentally, he would choose visual arts as an alternative career, as well as that of chess player or magician. As a pianist he manages to bring out all three elements through sound.
Louis Schwizgebel performs on Tuesday at 8pm at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta. For tickets call on 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt