LIVE: Ludovico Einaudi – Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith 17.03.16

A 60-year old, Italian classical composer might not be your usual Gigslutz artist, but when fans include Iggy Pop and Shane Meadows (and The Beatles and Eminem are cited as influences) there’s clearly something worth investigating. If you’re not already aware of Ludovico Einaudi’s work, his music has accompanied gripping scenes throughout the This Is England series, as well as Ricky Gervais’ Derek. There’s something simple about his style, but it’s this minimalistic approach that allows silent spaces to speak volumes.

The first part of the evening focuses on last year’s Elements, a collection of tracks influenced by elements of all kinds (“creation myths, the periodic table, Euclid’s geometry, Kandinsky’s writings, the matter of sound and of colour, the stems of wild grass in a meadow, the shapes of the landscape…”). With a much more ambient output, these numbers share the repetitive nature of Kraftwerk, with the rest of the band taking their places behind stands, switching instruments to accompany Ludovico’s fluid rhythms with subtle electronica.

It’s not the most enticing part of the evening, but, when his co-players leave the stage and he performs a solo section, his magic is unveiled in its purest form. Sat at a grand piano with his back to an increasingly adoring audience, it’s elements from his back catalogue that demand attention, from the echoed keys of ‘Berlin Song’ to the filmic ‘Una Mattina’.

The five players return to add depth to a “hits” section, where Ludovico’s crossover style is showcased. Part Coldplay anthems, part Hans Zimmer compositions, the strings and electronics meld together with tick tocks in the style of A Clockwork Orange for ‘Time Lapse’, while ‘Fly’ and ‘Walk’ emulate their respective modes of movement. ‘Experience’ creates an atmosphere that few of the legends who have shared the same stage could have, transforming a room of a few thousand into unique scenes only each individual could see. And with a mirror-ball featuring light show followed by an encore, it’s clear that Einaudi – although mysterious composer by day – is a rock legend-like performer by night.

In hindsight, A 60-year old, rule-breaking, festival headlining (iTunes Festival 2013), gritty British drama soundtracking artist might just be your usual Gigslutz artist.

Dan Bull
@danbull7609

Dan Bull

Dan Bull

Reviews Editor
London. Likes: Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, Prince Charles Cinema, Duran Duran Dislikes: Soreen, All-hits setlists, "I liked them before everyone else..."