In conversation with master pianist Marietta Petkova

"I find the three pieces complement each other very well," Marietta explains about the program. She thought long and hard about the combination. "With each of the three pieces, I feel like I can express something. They are very different, but in some ways, they also stand very close to each other. The most essential message for me is humanity; all three of them speak about it in their own way. Dramatic concepts in sound comparable to great works in literature. They are masterpieces, and then there are not so many boundaries."

There's a brief pause. The realization sinks in that Beethoven, Debussy, and Rachmaninov were, of course, just people too, with feelings, vulnerabilities, and challenges. Marietta continues, "Time can still be seen as a boundary. Debussy and Rachmaninov could listen to Beethoven, but not vice versa. They may not have always agreed with each other, but that's how they enriched each other. It seems like Debussy wasn't a fan of Beethoven - he was very sharp in his criticism - but I'm sure he played all his piano concertos."

"Words usually lead to misunderstandings, so I prefer to listen to his music where there are no boundaries or judgments and where they come together. The ideal of Beethoven and the ideal of Debussy," Marietta concludes. How then, as a pianist, do you find the human in the music? Marietta smiles. "I see it as a good friend standing right next to me, for whom I would do anything. Sometimes you have to take a step back to truly appreciate a painting. It's the same with a piece of music, but ultimately, it's surrender that helps me."

Marietta Petkova will be performing at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven on March 24, 2024, in the Small Hall on Sunday series, at 12:00 PM. A cup of coffee or tea and something delicious are included with this concert.