Andsnes: “Chamber music is like Rock!”

Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has revealed that performing chamber music is like jamming with a rock group.

Andsnes, speaking with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, describes chamber music as “the most natural form of music-making, just a few friends coming together to play. Why should it be considered a niche or elitist? It is as normal as a rock band gathering in a garage.

“Just give me a violinist and a cellist, and we can play a trio. Chamber music is also essential in a musician's development because you have to listen to others and find your place within the landscape of a piece, whether you have the foreground or background. It's also a great way to get to know people and a lot of fun”.

Andsnes who is currently the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pianist in Residence, also talked about future projects, including performing and recording piano works by Beethoven.