Pianist Arielle Beck to perform at music festival next month

A remarkable talent from France has emerged. Seventeen-year-old pianist Arielle Beck combines a deeply empathetic singing quality with intellectual analytical ability, captivating audiences with performances of great scope.

We spoke with her ahead of her appearance at the “La Folle Journée” music festival, to be held on May 3 at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo.

Last year marked her first visit to Japan, where she performed, among other works, Schumann’s Piano Concerto at La Folle Journée Tokyo. The composer’s gentle, dreamlike imaginings took shape, appearing one after another before the listener’s eyes and weaving a single narrative. Her natural phrasing and structural command made it hard to believe she was only 16 at the time.

A 17-year-old young pianist with a genius disposition: “It is important to put music into words”

“I believe that, whatever the music, it is important to put it into words. By carefully reading the score and searching for meaning like an archaeologist, one begins to perceive the necessary transitions from one sound to the next.” She says she became aware of this fascination at the age of seven.

Beyond mere technique, she brings pieces to life through flashes of near-improvisational inspiration that briefly illuminate the peaks of musical phrases. She enjoys exploring the subtle harmonic nuances hidden within the music, engaging in a dialogue between the piano and other instruments.

At four, she began playing the piano almost without realizing it; at nine, she gave a recital; and at ten, she made her debut with orchestra. Since 2023, she has been studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris.

“Because I have my own musical preferences, I cannot simply imitate my teachers. The choices one makes in how to play lead to new discoveries, so I never grow tired of it.”

This year, she will perform Schumann’s Piano Concerto on May 3 at 5:45 p.m. in Hall A, and Schumann’s Piano Quintet on May 5 at 9:30 p.m. in Hall D7.

“There are imbalanced aspects in this music that make it difficult, but that is precisely where one can show one’s artistry.”

Her first recording also includes personal variations inspired by Schumann.

“Schumann is my favorite composer. I love him passionately!”

Photo caption:
At the age of seven, she was already saying: “Much of my life will be devoted to the piano.”