Lucas & Arthur Jussen

The two most famous pianists in the Netherlands? You don’t have to think long about that: they are the brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen. Energetic, almost symbiotic playing, great refinement of sound, compelling interpretations. Or as the German Tagesspiegel wrote: ‘The two Dutchmen are wonderful storytellers in sound, captivating their audience with their sense of light and shadow effects. The brothers present an attractive and light-hearted programme with works ranging from Bach to Gershwin. From 18th-century serenity to a work that brings the Roaring Twenties to life: fast-paced, nervous, sizzling music that swings right down to the fingertips.

Johannes Brahms wrote the Haydn Variations as a kind of tribute to the great Joseph Haydn. Brahms found the bass theme of the St. Antoni Choral so beautiful that he wanted to write variations on it. The Polish composer Lutosławski also opted for variations: a short, clear and compelling piece that embellishes a well-known melody by Paganini. Fauré wrote his Dolly suite for a little girl; he transformed her birthday and other early events in the life of his friend Emma’s daughter into a sweet, charming score. The impressionist Ravel composed Introduction & Allegro in a flow: “a week of frantic work and three sleepless nights”.

‘These two Dutchmen are great storytellers through sound; with their sense of light and shadow effects, they captivate their listeners.’ – Der Tagesspiegel

Program

Bach – Chorales
Kulenty – VAN…
Brahms – Haydn variations
Lutosławski – Paganini variations
Fauré – Dolly Suite
Ravel – Introduction & Allegro
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue