PAUL LEWIS

Master of the Keys, Interpreter of Emotions

Paul Lewis, a distinguished British pianist, has made a significant impact on the classical music world with his profound interpretations, particularly of Schubert and Beethoven. His journey into music began with cello lessons at the age of eight, and he fondly recalls being part of an orchestra as one of his strongest musical memories. Despite admitting to being a “dreadful cellist,” these early experiences deeply influenced his musical perspective, especially his unique way of hearing Brahms’s Second Symphony “from the bottom up” due to his cello background (VAN Magazine).

Lewis’s approach to piano performance is marked by a deep respect for the composer’s intent, focusing on conveying the emotions and messages within the music. This philosophy was evident in his performances at Wigmore Hall, where his interpretation of Schubert’s sonatas was described as an uninterrupted tapestry of sonorities, colors, and moods. His playing of the Andante from Schubert’s sonata, for instance, was noted for its balance of tranquility and percussive outbursts, reflecting a dialectic between doubt and hope, uncertainty and affirmation (The Arts Desk).

His recordings, particularly of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, have been widely acclaimed. His interpretation of the Beethoven sonatas, recorded between 2005 and 2008, has been described as one of the finest cycles in recent memory. Lewis’s attention to contrapuntal and textural awareness in these recordings demonstrates his meticulous approach to music (Presto Music).

In another performance, Lewis’s rendition of Schubert at Turner Sims was praised for its storytelling intimacy and theatrical elements. His ability to convey the whimsical and dreamlike qualities in Schubert’s work, while maintaining an unerring technical assurance, was particularly noted. His commitment to Schubert’s sonatas was described as so profound that they could almost have been written with his temperament in mind (Bachtrack).

Throughout his career, Lewis has also been vocal about the importance of music education and access to musical resources. He expressed strong opinions on the cuts to school music education and library funding, emphasizing the significance of his formative experiences at Chetham’s School of Music and local libraries in discovering music (VAN Magazine).

Paul Lewis’s career, marked by his thoughtful and emotive piano playing, continues to leave a lasting impression on the classical music landscape. His deep connection to the works he performs, combined with his commitment to musical understanding and education, makes him a standout artist in his field.