PROGRAMS
24/25 Season Programs
PROGRAM I
(60 Minutes)
A. Scriabin
Prelude Op. 13 No. 3 in G major
Prelude Op. 11 No. 11 in B major
Prelude Op. 11 No. 12 in G Sharp minor
Sonata No. 2 in G Sharp minor Op. 19 “Sonata “Fantasy”
Yuval Chen
Fantasy Piano No. 1
F. Chopin
Polonaise Fantasy in A Flat major op. 61
Yuval Chen
Horizon of the Last Path
M. Ravel
Le Tombeau de Couperin
This program delves into the themes of fantasy and otherworldly states of being. Commencing with a selection of compositions by Scriabin, notably his second piano sonata, referred to as the "Sonata Fantasy," the audience is introduced to the captivating realm of fantasy. Serving as a genre where composers liberate themselves from conventional norms, fantasy allows for an exploration of boundless creativity and unpredictable structures.
Yuval Chen's "Fantasy Piano No. 1" presents his unique interpretation of the genre, showcasing this unrestrained expression. Similarly, Chopin's "Polonaise Fantasy Op. 61" challenges the traditional structure of the Polish dance form, transforming it into a seemingly formless fantasy. The program reaches its culmination in the final section, delving into a profound and contemplative perspective on life.
The original piece "Horizon of the Last Path" addresses the notions of possible life paths, the choices we make, and the question of free will. This contemplative exploration leads to the concluding piece by Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin. Each of the six movements in this composition is dedicated to the memory of a friend of Ravel’s who lost their life in World War I. In the words of the artist, “Ravel’s music evokes deep emotions from a distance, it is almost like someone who is just observing the beauty and pain in life, yet not truly living it.”
PROGRAM II
(70 Minutes)
D. Scarlatti
Sonata in b minor K. 87
Sonata in E major K. 135
F. Mompou
Impresiones Intimas No. 1 “Lento Cantabile Espressivo”
N. Medtner
from “Forgotten Melodies” Op. 38: No. 8
F. Mompou
Impresiones Intimas No. 6 “La Barca”
N. Medtner
from “Fairy Tales” Op. 26: No. 3
L. Janáček
Sonata I. X. 1905
J. Haydn
Sonata No. 54 in G major Hob.XVI:40- 1st movement
S. Rachmaninoff
Preludes Op. 23 No. 1 & 2
J. Haydn
Sonata No. 54 in G major Hob.XVI:40- 2nd movement
S. Rachmaninoff
Preludes Op. 23 No. 3 & 4
Tal Haim Samnon
Memory and Variations
I. Stravinsky/Agosti
The Firebird
*This program will be played continuously without a pause between pieces
This program presents a continuous 70-minute journey through diverse compositions and styles. Without pauses between pieces, it weaves Scarlatti's opening notes in B minor to Stravinsky's triumphant Firebird finale in B major. This approach creates an expanded perspective for the pieces, as they reflect on one another through continuous playing, enriching their collective meaning.
PROGRAM III
(80 Minutes)
S. Rachmaninoff
Preludes Op. 23 No. 1, 2, 3 and 4
R. Schumann
Humoresque Op. 20
Intermission
J. Brahms
Sonata No. 2 in F-sharp minor Op. 2
Showcasing selections from three influential Romantic composers, this program begins with four preludes by Rachmaninoff. The first prelude, in F# minor, serves as the captivating opening chord for the concert. Moving forward to two of the most substantial works by Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, who’s connection and importance to one another both musically and personally cannot be underestimated. Both compositions exhibit intriguing structural nuances. With Schumann's musical eccentricities and Brahms being a young composer, both compositions exude a sense of experimentation. The concert concludes with a resonant F# major chord, harmoniously circling back to the beginning.
REPERTOIRE
Concerto Repertoire
CONCERTO
J. S. Bach
Concerto in F minor BWV 1056
J. Haydn
Concerto in D Major Hob.XVIII:11
W. A. Mozart
Concerto No. 20 in D minor K. 466
Concerto No. 24 in C minor K. 491
Concerto No. 25 in C Major K. 503
L. V. Beethoven
Concerto No. 2 in Bb Major Op. 19
Concerto No. 3 in C minor Op. 37
C. Saint-Saëns
Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 2
F. Chopin
Concerto No. 1 in E minor Op. 11
R. Schumann
Concerto in A minor Op. 54
J. Brahms
Concerto No. 1 in D minor Op. 15
E. Grieg
Concerto in A minor Op. 16
P. Tchaikovsky
Concerto No. 1 in Bb minor Op. 23
S. Rachmaninoff
Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 18
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43
S. Prokofiev
Concerto No. 3 in C major Op. 26
M. Ravel
Concerto In G
