On Thursday evening, the Hagenhaus in Nendeln became the stage for a musical exceptional event: to inaugurate the new concert series and celebrate Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday, pianist Seong-Jin Cho presented all of the composer’s piano works—a program of almost superhuman ambition.
Cho captivated the audience with technical perfection and interpretative depth. From the playful humor of Sérénade grotesque to the poetic melancholy of Tombeau de Couperin, he immersed the audience in Ravel’s dazzling soundscapes. It was an evening that not only honored Ravel but also brought him to life.
Long Review
Maurice Ravel’s 150th Birthday: Seong-Jin Cho Launches Concert Series in Nendeln with a Masterwork Marathon
With Seong-Jin Cho and Ravel: The Hagenhaus in Nendeln transformed on Thursday evening into the venue for a historic piano concert. To kick off the new concert series, not only did Ravel’s compositions take center stage, but they were also brought to life by one of today’s finest pianists.
Seong-Jin Cho took on the seemingly impossible task of performing all of Maurice Ravel’s piano works in a single evening. The program was monumental yet never overwhelming, thanks to Cho’s ability to explore Ravel’s complexity in all its colors, textures, and emotions.
The evening began with the early works: in Sérénade grotesque, the young Ravel sparkled with humor, while Pavane pour une Infante défunte gave Cho the opportunity to showcase his lyrical sensitivity. With Jeux d'eau and the Sonatine, the first part reached an interpretative climax, where Cho’s technical brilliance made the shimmering water games truly shine.
After a short intermission, Miroirs and Gaspard de la Nuit followed as the central highlights of the evening. Here, Cho became a storyteller: the birds in Oiseaux tristes seemed to sing, while the dark drama of Scarbo left the audience breathless.
The second intermission provided a moment of respite before the final section offered an intimate glimpse into Ravel’s elegance and sophistication. Valses nobles et sentimentales danced between delicacy and irony, while Le Tombeau de Couperin concluded the evening with a homage to French Baroque music—a reflection of both sorrow and beauty.
Cho’s performance showcased not only technical precision but also a deep connection to Ravel’s sonic world. It was as if he was unfolding the facets of Ravel’s personality right before our ears: the dreamer, the perfectionist, the ironic humorist.
The audience in the sold-out Hagenhaus responded with standing ovations. An evening like this demonstrates that world-class artists like Seong-Jin Cho can fill not only grand concert halls but also intimate venues like Nendeln with magical moments. A spectacular start to the concert series—and a tribute to Ravel that is unparalleled.