By Clare
It was shocking to learn the passing of the Romanian pianist, Radu Lupu. His contribution to the music world is immeasurable.
Radu Lupu is definitely one of my go-to performer for recordings. Still until this day, I often list him as one of the must listen to performers for my students when asking them to compare recordings.
I remember back in 2006 when I was in New Yorker the first time for a summer camp, I wanted to experience THE New York City. I went online to look for concerts that I could go to during the time I was there, and Radu Lupu was playing Schumann’s piano concerto! I was excited and I got the ticket!
One of the most unique thing about Lupu is that when he played, he would sit on a chair with a back instead of a piano bench. Knowing about it is one thing, but the experience of being there and witnessing it was another story.
The concert was amazing, and I truly enjoyed it. I was also happy that my first concert experience in New York was going to Lupu’s concert.
It is definitely a loss to the music world, but having learned about his poor health in the past several years, maybe in a way it’s a release for him.
His legacy will continue to live through the many many inspiring recordings.
I can’t find the exact recording of the live performance in New York that I heard, but here is his Schumann Piano Concerto with the LA Phil in 1980.
