Encore!
Description
In her latest programme, Encore!, Dora Deliyska considers the encore not only as the conclusion of a concert, but also as a transition between the performance and the silence that follows.
The pieces are arranged in an order that creates a musical structure consisting of three parts. The first part consists of four works by Schubert, whose keys form a diminished seventh chord.
The second part forms an island of calm with works by Arvo Pärt and Johann Sebastian Bach. In the many passages with different pianissimo nuances, the piano is experienced not only as a keyboard instrument, but also as a sound box capable of producing an incredible range of acoustic colours.
The third part of the programme unfolds the concept of romantic and virtuoso encores. Emotional highlights such as Liszt’s Liebestraum and Kreisler/Rachmaninov’s Liebesleid alternate. Finally, spirited pieces by Fazil Say bring the concert to a brilliant conclusion.
The encore arises in the space between sound and silence. It is the moment when the concert has ended and emotions have reached their peak. But then another piece begins to play – uncertain, unexpected, surprising! It is precisely this uncertainty that gives the encore its special power: it can abruptly steer the emotions of the concert evening in opposite directions and either continue what has been presented so far or create a strong contrast.
The encore is the last word, the final message that the musicians give to the audience.
– Dora Deliyska
Photo shoot with the artist Lukas Heistinger
10 August 2025, Netherlands
© Lukas Heistinger