A legendary album - brought to life on stage​

 

In January 1975, Keith Jarrett gave an improvised piano recital in Cologne that would become one of the most iconic piano albums of all time: The Köln Concert. More than fifty years later, pianist Ralph van Raat brings this legendary music back to life in a unique live experience.

 

Rather than imitating Jarrett, Van Raat approaches the famous improvisation as a fully-fledged concert work, performing from the complete transcription while preserving the freedom, tension and hypnotic atmosphere that made the original recording so extraordinary. The result is a captivating concert experience at the crossroads of classical music, jazz, minimalism and improvisation.

 

ABOUT THE KÖLN CONCERT

The Köln Concert is the legendary live improvisation recital given by Keith Jarrett at the Cologne Opera House on 24 January 1975. Released later that year on ECM Records, it became the best-selling solo jazz album and the best-selling piano album of all time.

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The mythology surrounding the concert was strengthened by the circumstances of the performance. Jarrett arrived exhausted and was forced to play on a poorly maintained piano that was not intended for the recital. Those very limitations profoundly shaped the character of the improvisations: rhythmic, repetitive, lyrical and intensely personal.

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More than fifty years later, The Köln Concert remains a landmark in music history, transcending the boundaries of jazz and continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.

 

ABOUT RALPH VAN RAAT

Ralph van Raat is internationally recognised as one of the most versatile Dutch pianists of his generation. A Steinway Artist, he has appeared with orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

He is renowned for his adventurous programming and innovative projects that connect classical music, minimalism and crossover repertoire. A passionate advocate of contemporary music, Van Raat has worked closely with composers such as John Adams, Louis Andriessen, Gavin Bryars, Joep Franssens, Arvo Pärt, Tan Dun and John Tavener.

Several composers have written works especially for him, including Karen Tanaka, Robin de Raaff and Joey Roukens.

 

WHY THIS PROJECT WORKS

• One of the most famous piano albums ever recorded

• Appeals to both classical and jazz audience

• Accessible without artistic compromise

• An atmospheric and highly engaging solo evening built around a compelling story; Ralph is delighted to share the background of the work with audiences

• Ideal for concert halls, festivals, crossover series and late-night programming

• Strong publicity potential surrounding this legendary 1975 recording

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

Keith Jarrett also composed two substantial classical works:

• Sonata for Violin and Piano

• Elegy for Violin and String Orchestra (or with piano)

 

Combined with The Köln Concert, these pieces could form the basis of a highly attractive Keith Jarrett-themed programme or mini-festival for venues and festivals wishing to explore a broader perspective on Jarrett’s artistic legacy.​