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PROGRAM
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
Piano Sonata No.8 in A minor, K 310 (1778)
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- I. Allegro maestoso
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- II. Andante cantabile con espressione
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- III. Presto
(1756 – 1791)
Fréderic CHOPIN
Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1, in b-flat minor (1830)
Fantasie-impromptu in C-sharp minor, Posthumous, Op. 66
(1810 – 1949)
Felix MENDELSSOHN
17 Variations Sérieuses in d minor, Op. 54 (1841)
(1809 – 1847)
Franz LISZT
Hungarian Rhapsody No.12 in C-sharp Minor (1853)
(1811 – 1886)
About the music
Piano Sonata No.8 in A minor, K 310 (1778)
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
Bron 27 January 1756, Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg
Appropriate Performance Time
20 minutes
Composed during the summer of 1778, Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310 is one of only two piano sonatas he wrote in a minor key. This work stands apart for its dramatic intensity, emotional depth, and remarkable structural innovation. Written while Mozart was in Paris, it reflects a period of personal and professional turmoil, marked by the death of his mother, Anna Maria Mozart. This tragedy deeply influenced the sonata, infusing it with a somber and poignant character.
The sonata unfolds in three movements:
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- Allegro maestoso: The opening movement is turbulent and impassioned, marked by sharp contrasts in dynamics and textures. The stormy theme reflects a sense of urgency and struggle, with sudden modulations that evoke emotional restlessness. The movement’s dramatic character may have been influenced by the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) aesthetic popular in the late 18th century.
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- Andante cantabile con espressione: In the second movement, Mozart offers a moment of lyrical introspection. Set in F major, this section features elegant melodic lines reminiscent of an operatic aria. However, the underlying sense of melancholy persists, as subtle harmonic shifts create an air of vulnerability and longing.
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- Presto: The final movement bursts forth with relentless energy, characterized by rapid scales and arpeggios that demand exceptional technical prowess. The rhythmic drive and angular motifs contribute to a mood of agitation, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that leaves an indelible impression.
This sonata stands as a testament to Mozart’s ability to channel profound emotions into his music while maintaining formal balance and clarity. It remains a cornerstone of the piano repertoire, offering performers and listeners alike a deeply moving experience that transcends its time.
Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1, in b-flat minor (1830)
Fréderic CHOPIN
Born 1 March 1810, Żelazowa Wola, Duchy of Warsaw
Appropriate Performance Time
5 minutes
Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1 is a poetic masterpiece that exemplifies the lyrical beauty and emotional depth of the nocturne genre. Composed in 1830 and published in 1832, the piece opens with a melancholic, songlike melody, enriched by delicate ornamentation and flowing accompaniment. A dramatic central section introduces heightened tension, only to return to the serene opening theme with subtle variations.
Balancing intimacy and virtuosity, this nocturne is a testament to Chopin’s ability to blend technical brilliance with profound emotional expression, making it a cherished work in the piano repertoire.
Fantasie-impromptu in C-sharp minor, Posthumous, Op. 66
Fréderic CHOPIN
Born 1 March 1810, Żelazowa Wola, Duchy of Warsaw
Appropriate Performance Time
6 minutes
Composed in 1834 but published posthumously in 1855, Chopin’s Fantasie-Impromptu is one of his most iconic and virtuosic works. The piece juxtaposes a stormy, cascading opening section with a lyrical, waltz-like middle theme in D-flat major, showcasing Chopin’s gift for dramatic contrasts and melodic invention.
The rapid arpeggios and cross-rhythms demand technical brilliance, while the heartfelt middle section invites deep expression. This dynamic blend of passion and lyricism has made the Fantasie-Impromptu a beloved showpiece and a testament to Chopin’s genius.
17 Variations Sérieuses in d minor, Op. 54 (1841)
Felix MENDELSSOHN
Born 3 February 1809, Hamburg
Appropriate Performance Time
13 minutes
Mendelssohn’s Variations Sérieuses is a monumental work, composed in 1841 as part of a collection to support the publication of a Beethoven monument in Bonn. True to its title, the work adopts a serious and introspective tone, demonstrating Mendelssohn’s mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and variation technique.
The theme, a somber and noble melody in D minor, sets the stage for 17 variations that explore a wide range of emotions and technical challenges. Mendelssohn showcases his ingenuity by transforming the theme through intricate counterpoint, rhythmic energy, and expressive lyricism, alternating between dramatic intensity and tender introspection. Each variation flows seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous narrative arc.
The virtuosity of the Variations Sérieuses demands precision and emotional depth from the performer, particularly in its rapid passages, striking harmonic shifts, and climactic moments. The work culminates in a fiery, brilliant conclusion, leaving an unforgettable impression.
As one of Mendelssohn’s finest contributions to the solo piano repertoire, this piece is a testament to his ability to combine profound emotion with technical brilliance, embodying the Romantic spirit while honoring Classical traditions.expression, making it a cherished work in the piano repertoire.
Hungarian Rhapsody No.12 in C-sharp Minor (1853)
Appropriate Performance Time
12 minutes
Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 is part of his celebrated series of 19 rhapsodies that pay homage to the rich folk music traditions of Hungary. Composed in 1853, this rhapsody exemplifies Liszt’s ability to blend virtuosic pianism with deep cultural expression, capturing the fiery spirit and melancholy beauty of Hungarian music.
The work begins with a dramatic Lassan, a slow, expressive introduction characterized by sweeping arpeggios and plaintive melodic lines. This section sets a brooding and introspective tone, reminiscent of Hungarian verbunkos (recruitment dance) traditions. As the piece progresses, the mood shifts dramatically with the entrance of the Friska, a lively, dance-like section filled with dazzling runs, intricate rhythms, and exhilarating energy.
Liszt’s mastery of piano technique is on full display, as the rhapsody demands extraordinary skill, from rapid octave passages to delicate ornamentation. The piece’s structure reflects Liszt’s signature approach to thematic transformation, as he develops and intensifies the motifs throughout, leading to a triumphant and electrifying conclusion.
With its blend of folk-inspired themes and virtuosic brilliance, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 remains a favorite among pianists and audiences, embodying the Romantic era’s fascination with national identity and technical showmanship.