Pierre-Laurent Aimard, a renowned pianist, invites you into the world of classical piano with his 2009 release, "Der kleine Hörsaal: Klavier mit Pierre-Laurent Aimard." This album, released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, is a delightful exploration of the piano's versatility and the evolution of classical music.
Spanning a little over an hour, the album features a diverse range of tracks that educate and entertain. From the playful "Jeder kann Klavier spielen" (Everyone Can Play Piano) to the intricate "Wisst ihr was eine Fuge ist?" (Do You Know What a Fugue Is?), Aimard masterfully guides listeners through various musical concepts and historical periods.
The album begins with an introduction to the piano itself, exploring its mechanics and sounds, before delving into the Baroque era with tracks like "Menschen mit Perücken: Bach und die Zeit des Barock" (People with Wigs: Bach and the Baroque Period). Aimard then takes listeners on a journey through the evolution of music, from the classical period to the modern era, with tracks like "Autos und Flugzeuge: Heute klingt Musik ganz anders" (Cars and Airplanes: Today Music Sounds Completely Different).
Aimard also introduces listeners to modern composers like Olivier Messiaen with the track "Olivier Massiaen, ein moderner Komponist" (Olivier Messiaen, a Modern Composer). The album concludes with a track that invites listeners to try their hand at composition themselves, "Komponieren Sie auch selbst?" (Would You Like to Compose Too?).
Throughout the album, Aimard's technical prowess and deep understanding of classical music shine through. His performances are both informative and engaging, making this album a perfect choice for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.