Farewells to pianist Walid Akl

Walid Akl, the famous Lebanese pianist, passed away. The death occurred on Friday September 27 in Paris, following heart surgery. The pianist was 52 years old.

As the president of the National Conservatory, Walid Ghulmiah, simply said, "His loss is a great loss to Lebanon and the piano." Akl studied in France, in the Margueritte Long Academy, the Conservatoire and the Ecole Normale. The professional education added to his exquisite talent a touch of excellency.

He played the music of various composers such as Beethoven, Liszt and Borodin, but his favorite was Joseph Hayden. Akl didn't just play melodies. He added zest, life and character to each composition he performed. Composer Elias Rahbany said that Akl "played in a dramatic, rather than romantic style, and always with great character." Every sad melody on earth will mourn him, but Walid Akl will still live in our ears and hearts.