Ludovico Einaudi, Hammersmith Apollo

Following three sell-out tours of the UK over 2013, Ludovico Einaudi is back. Along with his 11-piece band, he will be performing his latest collection, In a Time Lapse, described as “a haunting combination of dreamlike piano tunes and busy orchestral soundscapes." (Classic FM)

Einaudi was born in Turin, to a prominent family. His father, Giulio, created his own publishing house, with Italian writer Primo Levi among its authors, and his grandfather, Luigi, was president of Italy from 1948-1955. Einaudi has also made his mark: he has sold over 1.5 million records, topped many a music chart, created scores for more than 20 films, and been nominated for a BAFTA. Classic FM loves him so much it has put him in its hall of fame.

He originally studied under classical composer Luciano Berio, best known for his experimental compositions but also a fan of the Beatles and African music. In Berio’s tradition, Einaudi combined his knowledge of classical composition with his love of popular music, successfully bridging classical and contemporary music. He has embraced digital effects and, in short, defies definition. 

In a Time Lapse has quite an electronic feel to it, but don’t let that put you off.  If you like atmospheric and ambient music, you will come away thoroughly soothed and relaxed from this performance, but also invigorated. Think of this concert as a sort of mental yoga. 

Catch this tour before Einaudi goes back to Italy to begin work on his next CD.