Simplicity as the ulimate challenge.

Today's meditation session took a unique form: it happened while I attended Brad Mehldau's solo concert at the magnificent Maison Symphonique in Montreal. Despite the change in setting, this experience prompted deep reflections and felt just like a meditative journey.

Once I entered the hall and saw the piano standing alone, I felt a pang of anxiety for the pianist. Facing an entire theater, with more than 2000 spectators, all alone must be incredibly intimidating! As a classical musician, interpreting written scores and conveying the messages of deceased composers to the public is already a daunting and frightening task, let alone improvising on the spot. I couldn't help but wonder if jazz musicians feel even more pressure onstage, having to compose in real-time.

To my surprise, Brad took the stage with extreme calm and simplicity, displaying no signs of anxiety whatsoever. The entire concert unfolded as if he were alone in his living room, and by chance, a whole crowd stopped by to listen. Observing his relaxed and casual posture, I could easily envision him playing as part of his morning routine, just before sipping his first cup of coffee. It felt effortless and natural, a truly spectacular experience in itself.

If I had to sum up his performance in a single word, it would be “elegance.” Every musician in the audience could appreciate the rhythmic and harmonic complexity of his improvisations, yet what was truly impressive was how effortlessly he made it all sound, as if it were obvious and natural. There was no visible struggle, and yet every note and chord sounded so... fresh. Reflecting on it, this freshness is a characteristic I deeply admire in the greatest classical musicians – their ability to surprise me even with pieces I've heard thousands of times, making them sound completely new. It's this sense of discovery that defines a truly special and authentic performance.

But how do they achieve that? How do they make a piece they've tirelessly practiced for years sound so new? I pondered this as I watched Brad perform, and the answer seemed quite simple: enjoyment. He was having fun, listening, and savoring each sound that emanated from the instrument. Indeed, I could listen to pieces by my favorite composers all day long, and they would still inspire me. It's the ability to let ourselves be affected by the beauty of the piece we're playing, no matter how many times we've heard it. Brad was deeply immersed in the appreciation of these sounds, being completely present and enjoying the music, much like in meditation.