“This (Uuno Klami: Piano Concerto) music is made for the style-chameleon Johannes Piirto. One experienced almost concretely how he enjoyed throwing himself to the piruettes of Klami. (—) The work (Skrjabin: Prometheus Symphony) is like a disguised piano concerto, and the phenomenal Piirto accomplished the tricky piano part – modestly put – in a respect-awakening way.”
Mats Liljeroos, Hufvudstadsbladet, 11 March 2017
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“Johannes Piirto had a chance to shine with this work [Skrjabin: Piano Concerto]. His fingers flew brilliantly and poetically amongst the claviatura, releasing full-bodied accords out of it.”
Hannu-Ilari Lampila, Helsingin Sanomat, 23 October 2015
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“There was something very spontaneous, capricious, and uncomplicated in his way of approaching the material, and it was definitely appealing and made the music flow naturally.”
Mats Liljeroos, Hufvudstadsbladet, 23 October 2015
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“Only 21-year-old Johannes Piirto played the extremely difficult Piano Concerto No 2 by Prokofiev with stunning virtuosity and effortless approach of a sovereign master. Interpretation was deep and mature throughout, and especially in the calmer passages of the concerto. The triumphal ending led to a storm of applauses and bravos.”
Arto Sakari Korpinen, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat, 21 March 2015
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“Piirtos interpetation of Goldberg-variations was freely and brilliantly sparkling, colourful and refreshing. 30 variations rolled on like an unstoppable stream, at the same time getting their own, special contrapunctal characters and soundscapes.”
Hannu-Ilari Lampila, Helsingin Sanomat, 19 June 2014
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“Pianist and composer Johannes Piirto makes the music flow freely and subtly.”
Lauri Otonkoski, Helsingin Sanomat, 25 April 2014
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Pianist improvises also on the football field
Auli Särkiö, Cult24 Magazine, 4/2014
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“Furious pressure from the audience was finally rewarded with an encore: an improvisation based on Chopin’s Berceuse theme decided together in the moment. A very sharp ear could sense some spirit of Chopin, but mostly it was Liszt speaking. Piirto created new virtuotic scenes in an overwhelming and totally unhesitating manner.”
Jaani Länsiö, Rondo Classic, 20 October 2013
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“One could write for hours about Johannes Piirto and use all existing superlatives, but in one word: he is marvellous. A single-worded description works best since he is a very contemplative musician. He creates broad lines that are always precisely in control. Piirto’s interpretation of Piano Concerto No 5 op 73 by Beethoven will be remembered. His depths, dimensions and abilities to express the music seem to be bound to extremely charming humanism.”
Jari Pitkänen, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat, 30 September 2013
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“Show me another pianist who first premieres his own composition and then performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 2 in f minor as a soloist. Piirto played the concerto very convincingly. Piirto’s touch was self-confident, rich, precise and purposeful, both in the playful and dramatic parts and in the sublime slow movement. One of the best interpretations I have heard. Piirto’s own work, Prologue for Piano and Orchestra, written for this occasion, was strong and expressive.”
Wilhelm Kvist, Hufvudstadsbladet, 4 August 2012
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Young pianist is living his dream
Jaani Länsiö, Rondo Magazine, 8/2012
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Johannes Piirto – the Mozart of Finland
Savanna Saarikko, City Magazine, 2 July 2012
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Young pianist put all at stake
Samuli Tiikkaja, Helsingin Sanomat, 3 September 2011
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“Johannes Piirto played the concerto for piano by Busoni imposingly and meticulously. In the self-written solo-cadenza he showed his understanding of musical style. In the Mendelssohn-encore there was sound culture. The career of this young multi-talent is worth following.”
Veijo Murtomäki, Helsingin Sanomat, 1 July 2009
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Let’s play some Johannes Piirto instead of Beethoven
Milla Autio, Helsingin Sanomat, 9 November 2005
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Wonderboy
Anni Lintula, FIM Magazine 3/2005
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