Chopin and the music of the infinite at SIBF 2022

Italian pianist Gloria Campaner takes  audiences at 41st SIBF through a journey of all 24 tonalities and ‘colours’ of music

Sharjah, November 6, 2022:  Guests attending the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair were delighted to experience a beautiful and mesmerising rendition of Frédéric Chopin’s - 24 Préludes, from one of the world’s premier pianists, Gloria Campaner.  

The acclaimed pianist from Italy — the ‘Guest of Honour’ nation at SIBF 2022 — gracefully made her way to the stage in a dimly lit hall, with a Steinway & Sons grand piano under the spotlight. 

Before she began her performance, Gloria, who was welcomed by Ida Zilio-Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, said: “I am very touched to be invited by the Sharjah Book Authority and play for you all today. Chopin was the poet of the piano. He is famous not only because he was an incredible composer but because he wrote all of his music on the piano, so for piano players and concert pianists, we feel a great connection to his compositions”. 

“I fell in love immediately with this specific piece, 24 Preludes, Op. 28, because this is not only music - I consider it more like a journey. It is a journey into all 24 tonalities and ‘colours’ of music as there are 12 notes in the western music scale. This composition takes us through all 12 major chords as well as the 12 minor chords, making it an experience in the realm of emotions, feelings and all possible shades of what the human soul can feel through the universal language of music,” Gloria explained.  

Gloria then took centre stage along with her instrument and began the world-famous masterpiece to the elation of the crowd, taking all visitors on a magical and emotional journey through the composition. She displayed emotion, grace and gave a truly beautiful performance for all attendees.