Chopin’s Piano

Chopin’s Piano is a performance that contextualises the history of the composition of Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28. The controversial compositions overturn the genre because of their disparate and self-contained nature. The incorporation of the theatrical representation of the circumstances of their composition and exhibition is a great way to build an understanding of the role of this unusual work. In staging this story this performance also defies genre as there is little precedent for the combination of theatre performance and piano recital. The performance is masterfully executed and exploits simple theatrical strategies to compile an intriguing account of these singular compositions.

Pianist, Aura Go, and actor, Jennifer Vuletic, are phenomenal in the way they invoke historical characters such as Frédéric Chopin himself, Juan Bauza, George Sand, Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix, Alexander Binder, Henri Lew, Constantin Brâncuși, Denise Restout, and Peggy Guggenheim. In two acts, the duo depicts the manner in which the Preludes are woven into and interact with history. Vuletic is extraordinary in her energetic embodiment of the different personas and their sometimes-troublesome relationship with Chopin. Go transitions from the piano to the stage with similar unrelenting energy and provides some truly exquisite renditions of the Preludes. The lighting and staging techniques that are employed are simple but striking. The lighting frequently casts large shadows of the characters which gives them a great aura of grandeur. The use of lighting to create silhouettes also accentuates the elegant nature of the costumes and the historical period in which the scenes are set.

The story of this performance is based on Paul Kidea’s book Chopin Piano: A Journey Through Romanticism which is an historical account of Chopin’s instrument and the music composed on it. This performance is a truly unique way to explore the motivations and muses behind the manuscript and the show benefits greatly from the enormous detail and historical knowledge housed in this research.

Patricia Di Risio