Carlos Bianchini - A concert sponsored by Jessica Bataille
We talk with Carlos Bianchini, who brings his concert "Cuadernos de Viaje" to the Garden of L'Albarda.
“Music is sound and energy that brings order out of chaos,
a very ephemeral art capable of generating a powerful effect
grater than oneself.”
- Carlos Bianchini.
As a partner-sponsor of Fundem, Jessica Bataille The Lifestyle Company has organised and sponsored the concert “Cuadernos de Viaje” at the Jardín de L’Albarda, performed by Carlos Bianchini, as part of his latest work “Paisajes”. We interview the pianist, composer and producer from Barcelona, who returns to the Mediterranean to delight us with his sensitivity, his music and his way of seeing the world through his piano.
What is “Cuadernos de Viaje”?
“Cuadernos de Viaje” is a compilation of pieces created during my travels during different stages of my life. In the program we listen to works dedicated to Russia, such as the Elegy and Romanza, which came about during a long journey through Siberia, the piano fantasy “Biking the Big Apple” dedicated to the city of New York or the work “Paisajes”, which refers to different cities of Spain. The latter has a greater relevance to this concert because part of it is dedicated to Jávea which came about on my previous visit, when I was presenting my first album “Sona dels Infants” in Jessica Bataille’s studio. Enveloped by his exquisite work and transported to a magical world, to which you return with his musical interpretation.
The concert takes place in a very special garden: the Garden of L’Albarda, which also has a mission and a strong commitment to the environment. Carlos, what is your relationship with nature?
Since I was a child, nature has always been a great source of inspiration to me. Currently I think we have a big imbalance between our way of life and the natural environment and it seems that each time we are further away from that Balance. I live surrounded by nature and have lived away from big cities for more than fifteen years which I believe that I need so as a society we can reflect on how we can make our existence compatible with the environment in which we are living. I think that currently we are far from it, but I do see that we increasingly more aware of the problems that exist.
It’s not your first time in Jávea… You always return to this area. What connection do you have with the Mediterranean?
Mediterranean culture possesses features which are common in societies of diverse countries. I have always liked the Mediterranean lifestyle whether its in Italy, Greece or in my own country. From its history and its gastronomy to the different folklore of each region and traveling through its wonderful and diverse landscapes, the Mediterranean culture always is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the arts.
Why did you choose the piano as your instrument?
My history with the piano began in my childhood, when my grandfather gave a piano to my grandmother to play again after the war. I was about 7 years old and when the instrument appeared at home I could not separate myself from it. I do not know if I chose it or if it chose me. Every afternoon after school I asked my mother to take me to my grandparents' house so that I could "play" with the new piano, a Vertical Petrof. I got my first lessons from my maternal grandmother and soon I started studying at the conservatory.
Since then I have never been apart from the instrument and it has always been for me a magical tool that has allowed me to explore new magical landscapes, travel back in time with the Great Classics and meet incredible people from all walks of life. Also, the piano has always been there to offer me a refuge where I can compose and express my most intimate emotions and reflections.
Why does the piano connect so much with emotions?
For me the piano is a medium through which the innermost feelings can be transmitted from your soul. Music is a very ephemeral art, in the sense that the musician through a mechanical action produces vibrations that travel through the air which can thrill the audience. It has always seemed like a magical phenomenon to me and at the same time very sincere. It is very personal. The same piano played by two different people can be a completely different experience. The nuances, the sensations, the emotions that can be transmitted through the instrument are endless. I don't have an answer to this, I can only declare my fascination with it.