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Julian Jacobson

28 February 2024
Fourth Portal welcomed renowned pianist Julian Jacobson for an intimate sell-out performance, showcasing the versatility and depth of an ageing yet beautiful upright piano. The evening included a pre-concert talk on historic 78 RPM recordings, followed by a stunning programme spanning Beethoven, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Satie, and more.
PA Masterclass in Piano and Sound
One of Britain’s most inspiring pianists, Julian Jacobson brought a captivating and innovative programme to Fourth Portal, demonstrating the versatility and richness achievable even from an ageing yet beautiful upright piano. His performance spanned centuries of music, from William Byrd and Beethoven to Rachmaninoff and Satie, showcasing a deep connection between interpretation, technique, and innovation.

Programme Highlights
  • Beethoven Sonata Op. 13 “Pathétique” (first movement)
  • Debussy – Clair de Lune
  • Rachmaninoff – Preludes in G major and G sharp minor
  • Erik Satie – Gymnopédie No. 1
  • Carlos Gardel – Tango “Por Una Cabeza”
  • Chopin – Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 & Minute Waltz (Encore)

Pre-Concert Talk – Beethoven on 78s
Before the performance, Julian Jacobson and Richard Sanderson explored classic 78 RPM Beethoven recordings from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, generously gifted to Fourth Portal by local residents John and Sandra Wood. Julian also brought along his own Rachmaninoff 78s, featuring recordings of the composer performing his own music—a truly magical moment that set the stage for the evening.


The Audience Experience
For many, this was the first time witnessing a concert pianist perform up close, and the response was electric. The audience remained riveted throughout, with an enthusiastic post-concert buzz filling St. Andrew’s, the former seafarers’ church that now houses Fourth Portal.



Culture Change – The Impact of 78s
The advent of 78 RPM records and gramophones took orchestral music beyond the concert hall, bringing it to the masses for the first time. This technological breakthrough was a turning point in global culture, laying the foundation for modern music consumption—from early classical recordings to the global reach of artists like Taylor Swift today.

The Piano at Fourth Portal
The upright piano at St. Andrew’s Waterside Mission Church has been a central fixture of Fourth Portal Lab since its arrival. Over time, it has been played by musicians of all levels, from casual visitors experimenting with sound to virtuoso performances. Events like this highlight how innovation isn’t just about new technology—it’s also about how older instruments, in the right hands, remain full of life.



The 78s Collection Played on the Night
  • Beethoven – Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 “Emperor” (Artur Schnabel, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr Malcolm Sargent)
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 (BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arturo Toscanini)



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About Julian Jacobson
A leading British pianist, Julian Jacobson is acclaimed for his technical brilliance, versatility, and deep musical insight. A specialist in Beethoven, he has performed the full cycle of 32 Beethoven sonatas twelve times, including several “marathon” performances, playing the entire cycle in a single day from memory. His career spans performances at major UK and international festivals, as well as recordings with labels such as Decca, Chandos, Naxos, and SOMM.
📖 Full Bio: Julian Jacobson’s Website
📷 Photo: Roger Harris

About Richard Sanderson
A multidisciplinary sound artist, record producer, and promoter, Richard Sanderson was Fourth Portal’s sound artist-in-residence from spring to summer 2023. A former classical and jazz music buyer for Virgin Megastores, he has championed an eclectic range of musical styles, from spoken word and world music to left-field experimental and field recordings.
Sanderson also led open-access sound performances at Fourth Portal, including field recordings of the Thames, a Hither Green Drone Orchestra beach performance, and an indoor sonic exploration of the Beaufort Scale.
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