Thank you, Radu Lupu

By Clare

It was shocking to learn the passing of the Romanian pianist, Radu Lupu. His contribution to the music world is immeasurable.

Radu Lupu is definitely one of my go-to performer for recordings. Still until this day, I often list him as one of the must listen to performers for my students when asking them to compare recordings.

I remember back in 2006 when I was in New Yorker the first time for a summer camp, I wanted to experience THE New York City. I went online to look for concerts that I could go to during the time I was there, and Radu Lupu was playing Schumann’s piano concerto! I was excited and I got the ticket!

One of the most unique thing about Lupu is that when he played, he would sit on a chair with a back instead of a piano bench. Knowing about it is one thing, but the experience of being there and witnessing it was another story.

The concert was amazing, and I truly enjoyed it. I was also happy that my first concert experience in New York was going to Lupu’s concert.

It is definitely a loss to the music world, but having learned about his poor health in the past several years, maybe in a way it’s a release for him.

His legacy will continue to live through the many many inspiring recordings.

I can’t find the exact recording of the live performance in New York that I heard, but here is his Schumann Piano Concerto with the LA Phil in 1980.