Internationally acclaimed classical pianist Soheil Nasseri is as diverse in his musical tastes as he is prolific in his worldwide engagements. As an artist who has vowed to professionally perform the entire Beethoven piano repertoire by the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth in 2020 — and is well on his way to meeting that challenge — he also champions the work of new composers.
“Each listener has some musical style they gravitate to,” Nasseri said. “My concert [at An Die Musik] will have the diversity of three distinct periods and three distinct styles.”
Indeed, in a solo repertoire he says promises “something for everyone” he will present sneak previews of two works by Palestinian composer, Samir Odeh-Tamimi. The first, a world premier of “Skia”, written in 2008 followed by “Eine Erinnerung fur das Vergessen, written in 2006 and making its US premier.
“This is very intense music, but versatile,” said Nasseri who notes that a friend of his heard the music and said he’d be perfect for it.
Nasseri has no qualms about showcasing new works, proudly pointing out that since 2001, twenty-three pieces by various artists have been written specifically for him.
Nasseri will also perform Beethoven ’s “7 Bagatelles, Op. 33.”
“A bagatelle is a trifle,” he said. “These are very short works that are filled with charm and humor [and] have a dance-like quality.”
Two works by Schumann will conclude the recital. His “Waldszenen, Op 82” deals with a series of forest scenes, where the audience will be taken on a journey through the woods.
“Schumann and I understand each other on a spiritual level,” Nasseri said. He’s the quintessential Romantic composer, very soulful.”
Soheil Nasseri, who divides his time between residences in New York and Berlin, plans to continue on his current track of diversity in musical genre and style. That, and working on Beethoven’s entire piano repertoire as he relaxes to the music of Ice Cube and Snoop Dog.
“No kidding!” he laughed.
IF YOU GO
Soheil Nasseri (piano)
• Venue: An Die Musik LIVE! 409 N. Charles St., Baltimore
• Time: 7 p.m. Thursday
• Tickets: $13; $10 students and seniors
• Info: 410-385-2638
