“Music speaks beyond words,” says the piano maestro who is coming to Abu Dhabi in January
As he prepares for his debut performance in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena this January, acclaimed Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi opens up about his musical journey, the power of classical music, and what he hopes to bring to audiences in the UAE.
Known for weaving the classical with the contemporary, Einaudi has captivated audiences across the globe with compositions that evoke a range of emotions—often without a single word spoken.
The beauty of the Middle East
“It’s my first time performing in Abu Dhabi,” Einaudi shares, “and although I haven’t yet had the chance to explore much outside the city, the landscape itself, even from the air, is inspiring.”
He recalls seeing the sweeping dunes from the plane: “It’s beautiful. It reminds me of waves, in a way, like the endless sand dunes moving across the land.”
Einaudi’s reference to waves is more than a poetic metaphor; his 2015 work, Elements, was influenced by the fluidity of nature.
“I think of the landscape and the sand’s movement, and I try to capture that feeling in my music,” he says.
Finding the roots of music
Einaudi’s introduction to music began in his childhood, heavily influenced by family tradition.
“My mother played the piano at home, and that’s where it all began,” he says. “My grandfather was a conductor of Italian operas; he performed in Italy and abroad before he moved to Australia for political reasons. I never met him, but he left a strong musical legacy that I feel today. My mother kept that legacy alive, and I think that’s where my passion comes from.”
Reflecting on his path, Einaudi feels fortunate to carry on the tradition but with his own unique twist. “For me, it’s about maintaining that connection but evolving it for today’s audience,” he explains.
Bridging cultures through music
Over the years, Einaudi’s music has taken him from Europe to Japan, India, and beyond. He recalls a memorable moment in India.
“I’d never been there before, but there was such an emotional connection with the people. It was as if the music allowed us to understand each other without needing words.” This ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, he says, is why he makes music. “Classical music, or any music really, has this power to reach across divides and speak to people’s hearts.”
Classical music: then and now
Einaudi has a unique perspective on his genre, blending classical elements with modern sensibilities.
“Classical music is living through a moment of change,” he notes. “Most of it comes from the past; composers like Beethoven and Mozart, whose works we’ve heard countless times. It’s fantastic music, but it can feel distant because it was created in a different time, a different world.”
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By contrast, Einaudi’s music is created in the present. “I’m alive, composing today, and my music is connected to this world. It’s like a modern evolution of classical music,” he says. “With each new album, I get to refresh the repertoire and bring something new to the genre. It’s incredibly exciting.”
What to expect in Abu Dhabi
For his Abu Dhabi performance, Einaudi plans to draw from his past works to create a “portrait” of his career.
“Since this is my first time here, I want to give the audience a sense of my journey,” he explains. “I’ll be playing pieces from across my albums, so it will be a mix that shows the evolution of my music.”
As for what he hopes the audience will feel, Einaudi keeps it simple. “I want them to feel connected,” he says. “To me, that’s the magic of music—it does the talking, no words needed.”
The power of wordless expression
Einaudi believes that the absence of lyrics in his compositions is what allows his music to transcend language barriers.
“Music speaks for itself,” he reflects. “It doesn’t matter if someone speaks a different language. Music connects us all. It’s universal.”
With his upcoming performance in Abu Dhabi, Einaudi is eager to share this universal language with a new audience, weaving together melodies that transcend borders, languages, and cultures; one note at a time.
Ludovico Einaudi live, 19 November at Etihad Arena. AED250. For further information, visit Yalla
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