Coproduction Théâtre des Champs-Élysées | Productions Internationales Albert Sarfati

Igor Levit, a virtuoso pianist and leading figure on the international stage, returns to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées for the first chapter of a Beethoven cycle devoted to several major sonatas by the composer.

One of the most sought-after pianists in the world today, Igor Levit now belongs to the very highest tier of international pianism. Described by Télérama as “a Mensch, a man of rare humanity as much as of extraordinary musical intelligence”, he is widely regarded as one of today’s foremost Beethoven interpreters. Beyond Beethoven, his artistic identity is deeply rooted in the German repertoire that shaped his reputation. A regular guest at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, he returns here with a Beethoven cycle based on his acclaimed complete recording of the sonatas, released in 2019 to unanimous critical praise.

This first recital spans different periods of Beethoven’s creative output, from early sonatas rooted in Viennese classicism to major works of his heroic period. Sonata No. 1 Op. 2 opens the journey in a style still close to Haydn and Mozart, while Op. 26 already points towards a more personal and experimental language. The concise and luminous Op. 79 offers a contrast to the scale and visionary ambition of the celebrated “Waldstein”, one of the most groundbreaking works of the cycle.

A deep dive into Beethoven’s pianistic world, carried by one of today’s most committed and searching interpreters of his music.

The journey continues on 26 March with the next chapter of this monumental exploration of the Beethoven sonatas, undertaken solo by Igor Levit.

OTHER SHOWS