Multigifted Timo Andres Morphs From Pianist To Composer For Premiere
REVIEW
March 27, 2024
Rick Schultz from Classical Voice North America reviewed Timo Andres’ “The Blind Banister.” More info »
LOS ANGELES — Timo Andres is one of the most accomplished composer-pianists of his generation. As a pianist, the 39-year-old performed four Philip Glass Etudes in Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 19, bringing an almost epic imagination and virtuosity to pieces that can easily just lull. Perhaps it was his instinct as a composer, but his ability to locate and sustain a narrative held the sold-out audience rapt, and he received perhaps the biggest ovations on a night that included four other fine pianists completing Glass’ full set of 20 etudes.
A few days later, Andres was back in Disney Hall to hear John Adams conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the premiere of his quasi-concerto, Made of Tunes, an LA Phil commission written for pianist Aaron Diehl.
At least on March 23, when I heard the work, Andres’ focused dramatic instinct abandoned him for over-the-top orchestral effects in the rather diffuse two-movement score. Perhaps expectations were unfairly high. Andres is enjoying an especially productive period in his career. A CD of his third piano concerto, The Blind Banister, has just been released on Nonesuch, and the Calder Quartet gave the premiere of his piano quintet, The Great Span, in October at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The work is part of their April 2 program in Napa.
