Pieter de Graaf is not the kind of person—or pianist—to let himself be constrained by the boundaries of a genre or formula. His thirst for creative freedom is too great for that, and his restless soul is too eager to set out on a journey of discovery. In Pieter’s piano playing, you can frequently and clearly hear his preference for a romantic, lyrical, and opulent approach. Thanks to the grand piano on loan to Pieter from the Musical Instrument Fund, he can further explore the possibilities of making music and broaden his sound and vision.
My name is Pieter de Graaf. As a child, I was inspired by my father, who played Bach, Chopin, and The Beatles. After completing my conservatory training as a jazz pianist, I spent years playing in various bands and with different artists, including Wouter Hamel, Illicit, Sandra van Nieuwland, Conny Janssen Danst, Anne van Veen, Dorona Alberti, and The Kyteman Orchestra.
In 2019, I released my debut album *Fermata*, in which I sought calm and contemplation through minimalist piano melodies. On my follow-up EP, “Vortex,” released in 2019, I sought out more chaos. To achieve this, I began adding electronic and experimental elements to my music, bringing out its more frantic and dark qualities. And apparently, this has been well-received; with “Vortex,” I won an Edison Award in the Neoclassical category in 2020.
In 2021, my album “Equinox” was released. For me, “Equinox” is all about balance—the balance I’ve rediscovered in my life after a turbulent period during which I struggled with RSI, among other things. On *Equinox*, my piano playing features prominently, and you can clearly hear my penchant for a romantic, lyrical, and lush approach. My fingers and spirit are up to the task once again. After many therapies, a great deal of patience, and perseverance, I’ve all but overcome my RSI. The proof: a 10-hour non-stop improvisation show on a piano and grand piano at Tivoli Vredenburg.
After this performance on a grand piano, I couldn’t let go of the sound and feeling that this beautiful instrument brings. Thanks to the Musical Instrument Fund, I’ve been loaned a beautiful Blüthner, which allows me to further deepen and develop my musical style. This grand piano is such a beautiful instrument—it has a rich and varied tone and is incredibly dynamic. What makes my new music so unique is the combination of the grand piano and the upright piano. It’s amazing how these two instruments enrich each other, and I can’t wait to share this with you on my future albums.
