Francesco Tristano
With her tenth album, “Echoes of Life,” Alice Sara Ott presents a reinterpretation of Chopin’s 24 Preludes on Deutsche Grammophon, which she interweaves with seven contemporary works from the 20th and 21st centuries. These pieces include a composition written specifically for the album by Francesco Tristano, as well as a work by Ott herself, inspired by Mozart’s Lacrimosa. Through this selection, the pianist bridges the gap between the classical repertoire and modern influences, lending Chopin’s music a contemporary context. The seven interludes, each reflecting an autobiographical experience of Ott’s, are explained in detail and in a personal way in the album’s booklet. She describes “Echoes of Life” as a reflection on formative thoughts and moments that have influenced and changed her life. For Ott, her artistic journey also means transformation—both personal and musical. As a classical musician, she sees it as her mission to carry on the spirit of those composers who once questioned conventions instead of clinging to established traditions and their limitations.