Festival highlights contemporary piano music

On October 3, 2026, Gabriel Durliat and three other pianists performed at La Scala in Paris as part of the 9th edition of the festival Aux Armes, Contemporains !. The event focused on innovative works that push the boundaries of piano performance.

Program centers on a four-pianist composition

The concert featured works by Olivier Penard, Maurice Ravel, and Edgard Varèse, with a focus on the unique setup of two pianos played by four musicians. At the heart of the program was Penard's Sonate à quatre, a piece commissioned by the Banque Populaire Foundation and premiered earlier that year.

Composition explores orchestral possibilities

Penard's Sonate à quatre was described as a challenge and a field of exploration for the composer, aiming to treat the piano in an orchestral context. The piece consists of three contrasting movements, with the first marked by sharp rhythms and a shadowy atmosphere, similar to Béla Bartók’s style.

Performance emphasizes coordination and expression

The coordination among the four pianists was highlighted as a key element of the performance, giving the music a communicative drive. The work was noted for its dramatic gestures and the way the music brought these elements to life.

Ravel’s Boléro tested musical balance

The concert continued with a transcription of Ravel's Boléro for two pianos and four hands. This version tested the balance between repetition and progression, with the performers restoring the piece’s color and intensity despite the repetitive nature of the music.

Varèse’s Amériques showcased experimental sound

The program concluded with a transcription of Edgard Varèse's Amériques, originally composed in 1922 and rediscovered in 2004. The transcription, done by Varèse himself, allowed the pianists to highlight the work's orchestral richness and experimental character. The concert was described as a space for musical innovation and collaboration.