Peter Ritzen, born in Ghent, Belgium, studied piano and chamber music at the Royal Conservatory in Ghent and continued his studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, with Russian pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva.
Compositional Technique
Peter Ritzen's improvisations draw strongly on the great traditions of 19th-century piano music.
Instruments
For the piece 'For China', Peter Ritzen plays a unique 1913 Steinway piano from the collection of his friend, world-famous pianist-composer Jörg Demus.
Recording & Production
This album features Peter Ritzen's improvisations, which grew spontaneously after some 'classical' recording sessions.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Peter Ritzen, the pianist and composer, has a deep affinity for Chinese culture, which has inspired a whole repertoire of his compositions.
Interpretation
Peter Ritzen's improvisations, a trademark at his concerts, are often performed as encores, sometimes on notes suggested by the audience or as completely free extemporizations.
Performer Biography
Peter Ritzen is an acclaimed interpreter of Franz Liszt and Theodor Leschetizky, having made several CD albums for Naxos featuring Leschetizky.
