Markus Hinterhäuser and Igor Levit Perform Messiaen in Salzburg

Hinterhäuser, who gave the Festival its own distinctive pianistic profile over many years, alternated between administrative and artistic work. Alongside his role as director, he remained active as a pianist and repeatedly appeared together with other soloists.

Levit counts among the most sought-after pianists of his generation and is known for his intense interpretations of late-Romantic and contemporary repertoire. In Salzburg, he shares a recurring stage partnership with Hinterhäuser.

Reunion at the Mozarteum

The concert is conceived as a tribute to Messiaen, whose "Visions de l'Amen" was composed between 1943 and 1944 during the occupation period. The title picks up a liturgical phrase and combines liturgical severity with sonic colorfulness.

The Mozarteum Foundation, which has maintained the house as a performance venue for centuries, sees programs such as this as a bridge between musical heritage and the present. Concerts in this series are designed for a small ensemble and intimate acoustics.

Hinterhäuser's tenure as director is associated in several accounts with an emphasis on chamber music. This includes piano and song recitals that complemented the Festival's otherwise predominantly opera- and theater-focused program.

Hinterhäuser's Profile and Levit's Repertoire

In recent years, Levit has repeatedly pointed to the political and social dimension of his music-making. His appearances in Salzburg form part of a series of concerts he has also given in the city outside the Festival season.

By once again performing "Visions de l'Amen" together, both musicians underscore the significance of the work for their own repertoire. Observers regard the choice of piece as a deliberate signal, picking up where their collaboration first began.

The programming follows the pattern of earlier duo evenings: two pianos, clear liturgical architecture, a conscious absence of amplification. This allows the audience to hear the textural layers of the "Amen" movements directly.

Organizer and Tickets

The organizer is the Mozarteum Foundation in cooperation with Kulturmanagement Salzburg GmbH (KMM). Tickets for the evening are available through the city's usual advance booking outlets.