Mayu Kishima (viool) & Akane Sakai (piano)

NO MUSE LIKE LOVE

Seldom has a standing ovation come as collectively and straight from the heart as at Mayu Kishima’s last performance at Handelsbeurs. The Belgian newspaper De Standaard, too, is “completely under the spell of the immense wealth of colours, atmospheres and phrasing”.

This time, with her piano partner Akane Sakai, she will be selling wholesale amorous lyricism and impetuous passion - because the four tempestuous composers are madly in love.

Each note is aimed at the heart of the person with whom they would like to share their lives. Fauré has languished for four years before he declares his love to Marianne. Tchaikovsky starts an affair with the violinist he has commissioned, while Messiaen marries his. And in Strauss’ case the resulting marriage lasts his whole life.