Gabriele Baldocci - Rare Times That We Can Fully Enjoy What We Deliver, Reflects The Exact Way We Wanted It To Be, That Is The Real Reward (Pianist From UK)

Gabriele Baldocci’s unique style, visionary programming and versatile artistic personality have garnered him worldwide critical acclaim and a wide following on the world stage.

Described by Jed Distler on Gramophone as a “A pianist of formidable capabilities”, Baldocci has given concerts in some of the most distinguished venues in the world both as a soloist and with chamber music partners such as Martha Argerich, with whom he played in duo for almost two decades.

A passionate advocate for live classical improvisation, Baldocci’s eclectic personality made him develop innovative events where he tastefully breaks boundaries of genres and styles.His performances are regularly broadcasted on TV and radios internationally.

A very active educator, he is Head of Keyboard at Haileybury, professor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music in London and at The Purcell School and he is often invited to give Masterclasses at some of the most important universities and academies worldwide.

1. Tell us about your background and journey?

I was born in a very ordinary working class family from Tuscany so nobody was really a musician at home. My parent, though, had an innate love for all sorts of music and he had a nice collection of records of all kind.

I suppose I got my “music bug” from him and he was always a very stable point of reference throughout my development as an artist. My journey from what I was as a child and what I became as an adult was very complicated.

We did not have much money and, especially in my teens, I felt like I was in a world that really did not belong to me.

Thanks to my parents’ efforts and a very strong will, I managed to make my childhood dreams come true.

2. What inspired you to become a pianist?

My father bought a very clunky old upright piano before I was born which, by the time I was three, became my favourite toy. I could spend hours in front of it.

My favourite pianist as a child was Martha Argerich, whom I discovered through my very first piano teacher.

I still have to pinch myself, today, when I realise that at the age of twenty she became one of my best friends and, as of today, we shared the stage dozens of times.

3. Describe the best performance you have ever given and what made it special?

Years ago, in an hospital, playing for an audience of terminally ill cancer patients. To know that it was probably the last event they ever attended in their lives and see the joy and the tears in their eyes, is something I shall never forget.

4. What is the most challenging and rewarding of being a pianist?

Being a pianist, but I would say an artist in general, means very often to be constantly dissatisfied with ourselves.

We tend to be run after an ideal and unique artistic vision which, most of the times, is just an utopistic dream that we will never be able to make happen.

The rare times that we can fully enjoy what we deliver, for it reflects the exact way we wanted it to be, that is the real reward.

5) Who is your favourite musician and why?

Definitely Martha Argerich. The years go by but her playing never ages but, instead, becomes fresher and more inspiring. She is a generous soul and an incredible performer.

6) What message would you give to aspiring pianists?

Do not be obsessed just with your instrument. Live your life, learn from it, live your dreams.

7) Which is your favourite book and why?

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. I love the multifaceted combination of elements that make it a book that transcends genres. Which is pretty much what my artistic mission has become in the past few years.