Written by Imani Wj Wright
"The piano as a medium for expression is a whole world by itself. No other instrument can fill or replace its own say in the world of emotion, sentiment, poetry, imagery and fancy" – Leopold Godowsky
Over the years, I have written about my time studying music at The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. There are several moments I have alluded to, but there is one moment that sticks with me most vividly. It was close to 10am on a Saturday morning, the sun was beaming through the glass windows, I was making my way to music theory, and on my way, there were several pianists rehearsing for their upcoming recitals. The bliss and beauty of the moment was something you’d get from a primetime Disney movie. The sound was magical, and somehow seemingly congruent. This wasn’t organized madness, this was disconnected enchantment.
Many of those aforementioned feelings arise as I listen to pianist and composer, Justus Rümenapp. His sound has such an immediate grasp on your heartstrings. Pieces such as ‘Sail’ and ‘Dreaming of the Sun’ are top tier examples of a composer having the ability to tell a story through sound. ‘Sail’ sounds exactly as the title suggests. Rümenapp’s ability to text-paint is awe-inspiring.
Compositions like ‘Longing’ and ‘A Secret Within’ prove a lot about Rümenapp’s artistry. Not only is his commanding piano play in the forefront, but the orchestral strings that accompany add a musical layer that stands on a pedestal.
Enjoy Rümenapp’s precision
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