Jeremy Denk plays "intellectual" program

Jeremy Denk plays ‘intellectual’ program

Alexandria Evensen, Festival Focus Writer

The pool of professional classical musicians in the world is small. For those who also wear the labels of author, blogger, and intellectual historian, like pianist Jeremy Denk, the pool is even smaller. In fact, he may be the only one in it.

The acclaimed pianist will take a breather from his hefty touring schedule to return to the stage of Harris Concert Hall at the Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) on July 27 at 8 pm. He will perform Bach’s English Suite No. 2 in A minor, Ligeti’s Études: Book I, Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No. 1, “The Dance in the Village Inn,” Berg’s Piano Sonata, op. 1, and Schumann’s Fantasy in C major, op. 17.

Since his last performance at Aspen, the former wunderkind has been busy. Last year Denk embarked on a recital tour of the U.S. which culminated in his return to Carnegie Hall. Additionally, Denk is completing his Random House memoir Every Good Boy Does Fine. He also released a new double album set entitled c.1300–c.2000, which covers an astounding 700 years of music history.

Winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Grant and the Avery Fisher Prize, Denk is considered one of America’s foremost musical minds. Even with his dramatic uptick in popularity in recent years, Denk has been a keystone to Aspen. His wide repertoire and stage presence make for a breathtaking and exceptionally entertaining performance, says AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher.

“Jeremy Denk is an Aspen favorite, combining complete mastery of the piano with an intellectual approach that has won him a MacArthur Fellowship,” says Fletcher.

Asadour Santourian, AMFS vice president for artistic administration and artistic advisor, touts Denk’s surprising style and complexity. No two performances are exactly the same, he points out, which make him a joy to watch each year.

It’s a typical ‘Jeremy’ program, which is to say it’s always the unexpected,” Santourian says. “At first glance, there may not be a connection [between pieces] but knowing him, we will get many moments of understanding as to why he has put together some of these works.

Asadour Santourian, vice president for artistic administration

Denk’s rounded brand of intellectualism is rare, even among brilliant colleagues, Santourian says. Every piece has a connection, but people have to attend the concert to solve the puzzle.

“We have many kinds of performers. We have the virtuoso type who are the fastest fingers in the West, and then we have the intellectual type who can make poetry out of four simple lines,” he says. “The intellectual exercise appeals to him, and he puts his abilities at the service of what he wants to accomplish.”