Two hundred years ago, the great composer Franz Liszt supported exceptional musicians.
Today, Montreal-based pianist Andre Laplante continues that tradition by teaching techniques and inspiring students.
“[Liszt] was a truly great creator, a truly great innovator,” Laplante said. “He was also the complete musician.”
Laplante performs a concert featuring Liszt’s music for the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Monday (Feb. 7) at the Port Theatre.
Laplante has been labelled a Liszt expert for his virtuoso command of the composer’s challenging work.
“I don’t like labels,” he said. “I love music and that’s what counts.”
Laplante was just a child when he took up the piano, going on to win contests for talented youth and studying in Montreal before heading to New York’s Julliard school of music.
He learned and performed in Paris as well as other European cities.
As one who loves the Romantic age of music, Laplante won prizes at the Sydney and Geneva international piano competitions. In 2006, he was inducted into the Order of Canada.
During the concert in Nanaimo, Laplante will play his favourite Haydn sonata as well as music from Liszt, which the conservatory will help mark the bicentennial of the composer’s birth.
Liszt was known for his dramatic pieces, based on piano but containing a distinctly orchestral feel.
“He never wrote thinking only about the piano,” Laplante said. “He thought of the orchestra.”
Liszt was a child prodigy with a father who took him from his native Hungary and on a European tour at a very young age.
“He was a celebrity when he was very young,” Laplante said.
Later in life he was consumed by religious fervor and wanted to join the clergy. He was rebuffed by the pope.
“He had a truly intense religious side,” Laplante said. “He composed a lot of music with religious character.”
To share his knowledge of Liszt and other great composers, Laplante hosts a master class Feb. 8, 10 a.m., at the conservatory on Selby Street. Tickets $10; $5/students and can be purchased through the Port Theatre.
Laplante performs Monday (Feb. 7), 7:30 p.m., at the Port Theatre. Tickets $30; $20/students. Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
