Munich: A Journey Through One World
As promised, here's my little report from my last night in Munich for the German debut of the One World Piano Concerto, written by David Garrett and John Haywood and performed by the magnificent Olga Sheps with the Münchner Symphoniker.
I'm sharing just the first few minutes of the opening movement — only a glimpse, sorry! I really wanted to live every single moment of it instead of filming. And trust me… it was absolutely worth it.
Now, if you feel like reading my impressions, scroll on. If not, just watch the video and enjoy every beat.
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If you are reading, keep in mind: I'm no expert and definitely no professional music critic. I'm simply someone who loves music — especially classical — and this is just what I felt.
One of Italy's greatest art critics, Cesare Brandi, said that art truly exists in two moments: when it is created by the artist and when it is experienced by the public. With music, I would add: and when it is brought to life by outstanding performers — like last night.
So… here we go.
The concerto unfolds in three movements.
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The first is probably my favourite (although I need it to settle a bit before deciding). I experienced it as a journey — a discovery of the world David wanted us to feel as one. Small musical echoes from different cultures carried me swiftly across countries and traditions. The melody is warm and beautiful, yet sometimes raw, almost reflecting the struggles our world is going through. Dramatically real… but with a thread of hope running through it.
The second movement is calmer, more romantic, soothing and reassuring. It feels like a gesture of love and — for those who believe — almost a gentle caress from above (from every possible god). The orchestra takes a more embracing role here, and the music flows sweetly toward the end, leaving you with a sense of peace and trust… that maybe you shouldn't trust.
Because the third movement is where the piano truly claims the stage. Powerful, intense, sometimes dissonant, it touches something deep inside and leaves a subtle sense of unrest. Yet the main theme always returns to rescue you — a handful of notes you long to hear again and again, like an anchor in troubled waters. Just beautiful.
Overall, this concerto is an extraordinary musical journey — into the world David and John imagined, and into which we, as listeners, are invited to step. For a moment, you truly feel part of that universe their minds and souls created with such mastery and emotional depth.
Great, great job, guys.
And thank you for this experience.