Pianists perform in absolute silence, but what happens when a large part of the audience in a concert hall seems to be struggling with a persistent flu virus? On Monday evening, Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi had to focus more than ever to keep his performance flawless. During his most delicate compositions, a chorus of coughs and clearing throats echoed through Ahoy. Yet, Einaudi remained unfazed. With unparalleled control and emotion, Ludovico Einaudi delivered a truly breathtaking concert in a sold-out Ahoy Rotterdam!
Text and photo: Sebastiaan Quekel
Ludovico Einaudi appeared on stage a little after eight in the evening, dressed in his signature black hat and glasses. His long white sideburns glowed in the warm light of the backdrop, which spread a cozy, orange-brown living room atmosphere. He said nothing, bowed slightly to the audience, and took his place behind his gleaming black grand piano, the spot where he has composed countless legendary pieces. With the first notes of Rose Bay, about 15,000 attendees seamlessly entered his dreamy world. Young and old alike were enchanted by the music.
Tonight’s setlist offers a beautiful anthology of Einaudi’s work. Episode One sets the mood with delicate piano notes elegantly supported by subtle strings. A little later, the first collective goosebump moment arrives: Una Mattina. The song, known from the film Intouchables, leaves the audience in awe. Cameras captured his performance up close, even from above (a kind of helicopter view), where the large silver ring on his left hand was especially noticeable. Often, Ludovico Einaudi plays with his eyes closed, a soft smile gracing his lips.
Playing by feel
It quickly becomes clear through the cameras that Einaudi hardly looks at his sheet music. His hands appear to move autonomously across the keys. It was simply wonderful to watch. During Fly, you could hear a pin drop in Ahoy, if it weren’t for the flu epidemic gripping the Netherlands. There were frequent coughs and throat clearings in the hall. Nevertheless, Einaudi remained undistracted. His playing stayed flawless and crystal clear.
After about half an hour, he briefly interrupted the music. “We are honored to kick off our tour in the Netherlands,” he said calmly. “It’s amazing that so many people have come here. Ciao!” His words were met with warm applause. He then immersed the audience in melancholy with Eros and I Giorni. The piano notes evoked images of autumn landscapes and long car rides at sunset.
With Melodica Africana III, the concert became more rhythmic. It’s a jazzy composition with rock influences that builds to an explosive climax. Under a fiery red glow of lights and lasers, it briefly felt as though we were at a completely different concert. With expressive hand movements, Ludovico Einaudi conducted his twelve-member ensemble. A double bass added a deep, warm layer to the dreamy ambient music. It remains remarkable how Einaudi effortlessly transforms Ahoy, usually a stage for pop and rock giants, into a cathedral of tranquility.
Einaudi is the Bach or Mozart of our time
The final part of the set featured some of his most beloved compositions. Nuvole Bianche, with its delicate melody, visibly moved many in the audience. Experience, which became hugely popular on TikTok in recent years, gradually built into a hypnotic cadence where piano and strings merged perfectly. When Night ended, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers. After a brief break, Ludovico Einaudi returned for an encore. The Tower resonated as a final echo of the evening, providing a fitting conclusion to a breathtaking concert.
With a deep bow, Ludovico Einaudi thanked the audience. No grand spectacle, no fuss – just pure music. The sound was perfectly balanced, and the nuances of the piano echoed in our minds. For two hours, Ahoy was dedicated to his enchanting compositions. Einaudi may well be the Bach or Mozart of our time, a composer who strikes a universal chord regardless of age or background.
An unforgettable evening!
