The historic Mazda Hall in Pune witnessed an extraordinary musical evening on Sunday as German-based, Mumbai-born pianist Pervez Mody returned to the city with a breathtaking performance that left audiences spellbound. The acclaimed artist demonstrated why he remains one of India's most distinguished classical music exports.
A Musical Journey Through Masters
Mody treated the packed hall to an impressive repertoire that showcased both technical mastery and emotional depth. The program featured Beethoven's stormy Tempest Sonata, which demonstrated the pianist's powerful interpretation of classical drama. He then transitioned to Grieg's delicate Lyric Pieces, revealing his sensitivity to nuanced compositions.
The evening's centerpiece was Liszt's towering Sonata in B minor, a demanding work that Mody executed with remarkable precision and passion. The concert concluded with the playful rhythms of Gottschalk's Le Bananier and Ojos Criollos, adding a lighthearted touch to the sophisticated program.
Universal Philosophy of Music
Between performances, Mody shared his artistic philosophy that has guided his international career. "I play in Mumbai and Pune the same way I would in Vienna or London. Music is universal and should remain so," he stated, emphasizing his belief in maintaining consistent artistic standards regardless of location.
This universal approach was evident in every aspect of his performance—from the carefully measured keystrokes to the thoughtful pauses and dynamic swells that characterized his interpretations.
Decades of Musical Excellence
Mody's musical journey began remarkably early, starting his training at just four years old. His exceptional talent became apparent during his youth when he won numerous competitions, eventually earning him a prestigious scholarship to Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
During his time in Moscow, he immersed himself in the works of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, known for his passionate, mystical, and technically demanding compositions. This early exposure to Scriabin would later become central to Mody's professional projects.
His educational journey continued at Germany's Karlsruhe University of Music, where he refined his technique and artistic vision. Mody further honed his skills through masterclasses with celebrated German concert pianist Sontraud Speidel and Argentine pianist Eduardo Hubert, known for his excellence in solo and chamber music.
Now in his fifties, Mody has built an impressive career spanning decades. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras, in chamber ensembles, and in Duo Appassionata with violinist Isabel Steinbach. His professional journey has taken him across Europe, Asia, and the United States, with recordings for several labels and appearances on numerous European radio and television channels.
Mentorship and Current Projects
Since 2012, Mody has held the distinguished title of Steinway Artist, joining the ranks of the world's most accomplished pianists. Beyond his performing career, he has dedicated significant time to mentoring young musicians.
"Each musician has their own individual style and form of expression. It's not about nationality or where you come from. It's about what you think and feel as an artist and how you express it," Mody explained, highlighting his teaching philosophy. He emphasized the importance of artistic individuality, stating "We need variety, not copies."
The pianist currently leads two major projects that demonstrate his ongoing commitment to musical excellence. He is recording the complete works of his early influence, Alexander Scriabin, with Volume 4 already listed for the prestigious German award Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik.
Simultaneously, Mody is performing Beethoven's complete solo works across a series of concerts in Berlin, showcasing his dedication to exploring the depths of classical masterpieces.
His return to Pune not only delighted local classical music enthusiasts but also served as a powerful reminder of the global language of music that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
