Ludovico Einaudi believes his standing in contemporary classical music is significant. He describes composing as a culinary craft—think of pasta. After years in the kitchen, one learns the trick of turning ordinary ingredients into something inviting, yet sometimes the urge to alter the taste keeps returning, keeping the craft fresh and exciting.
He is the creator behind music for films such as Untouchable, Land of the Nomads, and Father. In a conversation with Agencia Efe, the Italian artist explained that a composer’s job is to find new ways to shape familiar flavors, the challenge of adding a spark to yesterday’s pasta to keep it lively.
Preparations are underway for his first concert in Seville, slated for September 25 during a renowned festival. It will mark his debut in a city he approaches with anticipation, drawn in part by the beauty of the venue and the surrounding atmosphere that he anticipates will elevate the performance.
The Turin-born composer, born in 1955, has long admired the Andalusian tradition and cites Manuel de Falla as an influence. He notes that Spanish audiences display warmth that fuels the energy he tries to capture in his live sets, believing the atmosphere will be electric for this appearance.
When reflecting on the creative process, Einaudi likens nature and human craft to tending a garden. Light streams in, flowers unfold, and by adjusting what each space offers—adding the best plants or removing those that cast shadows—the space becomes more vibrant and expressive.
He sees himself as a storyteller who speaks through melodies. His music aims to move listeners, evoke happiness and sorrow, and he trusts the same emotional response will greet the audience, because music left unshared would remain confined to a room.
Over the years, his approach has evolved. He recalls the early days of cooking, when the basic egg could lead to unexpected combinations as experience grew. The same evolution has guided his musical journey—from piano to strings, to electronics—while always returning to the piano as a core instrument.
Collaboration has shaped his path, yet his current focus on a simplified sonic palette reflects a desire to purify the essence of his music. His latest album, Underwater, centers on solo piano, letting the instrument carry the entire emotional weight of the work.
He explains that his music does not simply mirror his life; it expresses his inner desires, tastes, and ideas that he wishes to share with listeners around the world. The work invites audiences to interpret and feel, rather than dictate a single meaning.
In the midst of a busy summer, Einaudi has been working on a French film project. He describes this as an exciting phase where ideas are freely exchanged with the director, a moment of creative dialogue that enriches both the film and the music that accompanies it.
For Seville, the artist will be joined by a trio of musicians—Federico Mecozzi on violin, Redi Hasa on cello, and Francesco Arcuri handling electronics and percussion—creating a live experience that enlarges the intimate sound palette typical of his solo performances. The anticipation around the concert reflects a broader belief in the power of intimate, emotionally honest music to connect with audiences across cultures.