Liszt & Friends chamber music festival: Livia Gatto

Artists

Sant’Agnese in Agone

Sant'Agnese in Agone is an Italian Baroque church built during the 17th-century in Rome. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the most important squares in the Italian capital's histroical centre, and the location of the former Stadium of Domitian, in which the early christian Saint Agnes was martyred. The crypt, or sacellum infimum, is the only remnant of the ancient church that marked the precise spot where the Saint met her grisly end. Piazza Navona also hosts other great works of art such as Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, situated in front of Sant'Agnese in Agone. There are many urban legends that refer to the sculpted figure of the 'Nile' by Bernini and the facade of the church, designed by his rival, Borromini. It is said that Bernini depicted 'Father Nile' covering his eyes in fear that the church in front of him would disintegrate. The story persists because of the bitter rivalry known to have existed between the two artists, despite the fact that the Bernini's fountain was built some years before the church was constructed.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German pianist and composer of the late 18th century. He is well known as the most influential composers of all time as well as crucial figure to the Classical music scene. In fact, he demonstrated his musical talent at an early age, taking lessons from his father and composer/conductor Christian Gottlob Neefe. Later, he moved to Vienna where he gained the reputation of a virtuoso pianist by composing his popular masterpieces. He created his most admired works in his last 15 years of life, all the while being almost completely deaf.

Frederic Chopin

Frederic Chopin was a Polish composer and pianist of the Romantic area (early 19th century). He wrote primarily piano solos but also piano concerts, chamber pieces and songs set to Polish lyrics. He is well-known as a poetic genius without competition of his generation. In fact, he created the concept of instrumental ballade and his performances were noted for their sensitivity and fine distinction. He spent most of his life in Paris, where he performed for the intimate atmospheres of salons. For most of his life, he suffered poor health. As a result, he died quite young at the age of 39, probably of tuberculosis.