TheJakartaPost
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Andrea Griminelli serenading Jakarta
Andrea Griminelli (right) and Lim Yan: Courtesy of Erza S
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Andrea Griminelli (right) and Lim Yan: Courtesy of Erza S.T
Earlier last week, legendary Italian flautist Andrea Griminelli performed for the first time in Jakarta.
Fans could not be more grateful and honored to enjoy such a world class performance, especially in the midst of Jakarta’s grey rainy season.
Griminelli performed a compilation of classical pieces in the complimentary company of Singaporean pianist Lim Yan. The VIP guests were warmed and delighted by a range of playfully delivered tempos exuding emotion, movement and character.
The pieces played were familiar favorites, including Bizet’s heart-wrenching Carmen.
Griminelli has been acclaimed for his sensitivity, control and interpretation skill while contributing to his numerous collaborations with Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John and Ian Anderson from the rock band Jethro Tull.
In a pre-show interview with The Jakarta Post, Griminelli talked passionately about how his love for classical music began developing at the tender age of 11 when he began to embrace the works of Antonio Vivaldi (whom after he named his dog) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
He had the great privilege of studying under preeminent musicians in Italy, France and Switzerland, but the proudest moment of his career came when he received the Prix de Paris while still in his early twenties, Griminelli said.
This was a pivotal point in his life, when he began thinking “I am a musician”, and that his calling was to become a full-fledged master.
In spite of his preoccupation with classical music, Griminelli shows interest in other music genres. Yet, he is very careful with loud music, and he always wears earpieces to prevent hearing loss whenever he enters loud music venues.
He explained this precaution by drawing similarities between a musician’s ears and a surgeon’s hands — without them they are useless.
“I am a very instinctive person, if it comes out then I will try. If not then perhaps another time,” Griminelli said on his method of work. He is very “quick” when composing musical pieces, which usually only take a day to complete, he said.
Griminelli went on to say that although he really wanted to compose again, it is not a priority at the moment.
When asked about his thoughts on Jakarta, Griminelli regretted that he did not have enough time to enjoy the city. However, he has visited Indonesia several times before and Bali is his favorite holiday destination.
During the interview, Griminelli sported a light blue batik shirt which was consistent with his low-key and relaxed demeanor. He also remarked upon the warm Indonesian hospitality and the food that he “knows and loves”.
Griminelli is in Asia for his month-long Asian Tour, and recently wrapped up gigs in Hanoi, Singapore and Shanghai. He had less than 24 hours in Jakarta before jetting off to Tokyo for another performance, the last venue on his tour.
Griminelli went on to say that although he really wanted to compose again, it is not a priority at the moment.
