We caught up with him as he prepares to perform works by two of his most cherished composers, Schubert and Beethoven at London’s Wigmore Hall in June.
Beginning his concert career at a young age, Eugenio De Rosa has given recitals and concerts in Europe, United States, Central and South America and Japan. Interpreting both the classic and modern repertoire, he has been a guest performer in many important Festivals such as the Sorrento Festiva, the Autumn Festival at Com, the Contemporary Music Festival LIM in Madrid, the Bilbao Festival, Midsummer Macon, Ljubliana Festival, Emilia Romagna Festival. In addition to these performances, Eugenio De Rosa focused upon the chamber music as well as the piano-orchestra repertoire, thus collaborating with renowned musicians and conductors such as Siegfried Palm, George Moench, Jesus Villa-Rojo, Piero Bellugi, Hans Graf, Adrian Gnam, Anton Nanut and Istvan Denes, Massimo Mercelli.
He has recorded for the RAI ltalian Television and the national Radio of France, Spain and Japan. From 1976 to 1982 Eugenio De Rosa was director of the Music Conservatory in Perugia and in 1991/1992 he was artistic drector of the Opera House in Cagliari. Recently, he was nominated Vice President of Fondazione Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
What made you want to become a pianist? From a very young age, my mother had a huge influence in developing my love for classical music.
Who or what were the main influences in your musical life?Guido Agosti, who was a renowned classical pianist and piano teacher.
Which pianists influenced you the most and why? Horowitz for his ingenious creativity, Michelangeli for his pure and clear sound and Pollini for his rigorous musical analysis, interpretation and execution.
What were the most pivotal points in your career and why? As a Director of the Conservatory of Perugia I had the opportunity and great satisfaction of working closely with a series of well-known and talented musicians with whom I was able to work with throughout my entire career. This has been a key stepping stone to my professional career as a classical musician and as a lover of music.
Which composers’ works do you enjoy performing the most and why? Schumann’s piano compositions lead to a quest for interpretation as well as letting the imagination free.Schumann has been a huge influence in my career and has accompanied me throughout all my professional life; my daughter is called Clara as a homage to the passionate love story between Schuman and his wife Clara Wiek, famous pianist and muse to many of Schuman’s piano compositions.
What advice would you give any young pianists who want to have a career as a concert pianist? Nowadays it’s incredibly hard to embark in a profession or career from a very young age. If a young pianist or musician has a strong passion and talent, they should throw themselves into it, with all their energy and commitment. It’s important not to give up at the first hurdle and overcome any frustrations or difficulties.
How would you go about introducing young people to music? I really believe that children should be exposed to music from a very young age and this should be done through schools. Unfortunately the reality in Italy is very different, as the country has a system which is very out of date and does not encourage young pupils to learn about music.
What made you choose Schubert and Beethoven for your Wigmore Hall recital? For the last couple of years I have immersed myself in working on music from the classical period. I am extremely enthusiastic about drawing a comparison between Beethoven’s and Schubert’s last compositions. Beethoven’s Bagatelle and the Schubert sonata are testament to these two great composers.
Are there any ambitions that you still want to realise? To found and direct a School of Musical Interpretation, where renowned musical artists can come and coach young and aspiring new talent.
Eugenio De Rosa performs Schubert and Beethoven at the Wigmore Hall on Tuesday 8 June, 2010.
