Dan’s Concert Series
Performed in Encinitas Library, Friends of Fallbrook Library and etc.
June 7th, 2023 at Encinitas Library
Waltz in E minor, B. 56, KK IVa/15 (1830), piano
Chopin’s Waltz in E minor, B. 56, is a posthumous work likely composed around 1830, during his early years in Warsaw. Unlike many of his more elegant and lighthearted waltzes, this piece carries a sense of melancholy and intensity, blending lyrical expressiveness with virtuosic brilliance.
The waltz begins with a delicate, wistful theme, soon developing into more dramatic and sweeping passages, filled with Chopin’s signature rubato and harmonic richness. The music flows between moments of graceful charm and passionate urgency, reflecting the young composer’s deeply expressive style.
Though unpublished during Chopin’s lifetime, this waltz remains a cherished piece in the repertoire, admired for its poetic depth and bittersweet elegance.
Piano Four-Hands on April 26th, 2023 at Encinitas Library
Fantasie in F minor, D. 940 (1828), piano four hands
Schubert’s Fantasie in F minor, D. 940, composed in 1828, is one of his greatest works for piano four hands. Written in the final year of his life, it is a deeply expressive and dramatic piece, blending lyrical beauty with haunting intensity.
The piece opens with a poignant, melancholic theme that recurs throughout, giving the work a sense of unity and longing. The second section introduces a lively, dance-like theme, followed by a deeply expressive, almost hymn-like passage. The music develops with rich harmonic colors and intricate interplay between the two pianists, culminating in a powerful fugue before returning to the sorrowful opening theme.
This Fantasie is often regarded as one of Schubert’s most profound piano compositions, embodying his signature mix of lyricism, drama, and longing, making it a favorite in the four-hand repertoire.
Piano Solo Concert on July 25th, 2023 at Friends of Fall Brook Library
Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. posth. 66 (1834), piano
Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. posth. 66 is one of his most famous and virtuosic solo piano works. Composed in 1834 but published posthumously, the piece is known for its dramatic contrasts, breathtaking speed, and lyrical middle section.
The piece opens with a stormy, rapid passage in the right hand, accompanied by an agitated left-hand figure, creating an intense and restless energy. The central section shifts into a dreamy, lyrical melody in D-flat major, reminiscent of Chopin’s nocturnes, offering a moment of calm and deep emotion. The fiery opening theme then returns, bringing the piece to a dazzling conclusion.
With its technical brilliance and expressive depth, the Fantaisie-Impromptu remains one of Chopin’s most beloved and frequently performed works.
Violin&Piano Concert at ST BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Flute and Drum at Sunset (夕阳箫鼓), piano
“Flute and Drum at Sunset” (夕阳箫鼓, Xīyáng Xiāogǔ) is a Chinese piano piece composed by Wang Jianzhong (王建中). It is inspired by ancient Chinese poetry and traditional folk music, evoking the imagery of a serene yet melancholic sunset scene accompanied by distant flute and drum sounds.
The piece is based on a famous Tang Dynasty poem by Bai Juyi (白居易) and blends traditional Chinese pentatonic melodies with Western Romantic-style harmonies. It features delicate, flowing passages that mimic the sound of a flute, contrasted with deep, resonant chords reminiscent of drums. The music gradually builds in emotional intensity, reflecting both nostalgia and grandeur.
As one of Wang Jianzhong’s most well-known works, this piece is celebrated for its poetic expressiveness and fusion of Eastern and Western musical elements, making it a staple in Chinese piano repertoire.
Piano and Cello Concert on July 6th, 2022 at Encinitas Library
Cello Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 36 (1882–1883), piano and cello
Grieg’s Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36 is a passionate and lyrical work composed in 1882-1883. It is the only cello sonata written by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and showcases his signature Romantic style, infused with folk-inspired melodies and dramatic contrasts.
The first movement, Allegro agitato, opens with a brooding and stormy theme in the piano, setting a dramatic tone before the cello enters with a deeply expressive melody. The interplay between the instruments is intense, with sweeping phrases and virtuosic passages that highlight both the cello’s singing qualities and the piano’s rich harmonic textures.
This sonata is often praised for its emotional depth and Norwegian folk influences, making it a favorite in the cello repertoire.
Piano Solo Concert at Steinway Gallery – Nov 22nd, 2024
17 Variations Sérieuses in d minor, Op. 54 (1841), piano
Felix Mendelssohn’s 17 Variations Sérieuses in D minor, Op. 54 (1841) is a profound and virtuosic set of variations for solo piano. Unlike the lighthearted or decorative variations common in his time, Mendelssohn composed this work with a serious, dramatic character—hence the title Sérieuses. It was written as part of a fundraising effort for a Beethoven monument in Bonn, reflecting Mendelssohn’s deep admiration for Beethoven’s variation style.
The piece begins with a noble and solemn theme in D minor, followed by 17 variations that explore a wide range of moods, textures, and technical challenges. While some variations are lyrical and delicate, others showcase brilliant virtuosity, intricate counterpoint, and rhythmic intensity. The piece culminates in a stormy and passionate finale, reinforcing its dramatic weight.
This work is considered one of Mendelssohn’s greatest piano compositions, demonstrating his mastery of form, melody, and pianistic expression. 🎶
Concert at Encinitas Library – August 15th, 2022
Song of the Birds (Pau Casals) Paul Tseng, cello with Dan Yu, piano
The “Song of the Birds” (El Cant dels Ocells) is a traditional Catalan folk song made famous by legendary cellist Pau Casals, who adapted it into a heartfelt, soulful piece for cello and piano. Known for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, the piece symbolizes peace and freedom, often associated with Casals’ dedication to these ideals.
In this performance, Paul Tseng on cello and Dan Yu on piano bring the piece to life, capturing its serene melody and profound expressiveness. Their collaboration weaves a poignant dialogue between the instruments, embodying the spirit of birdsong and its message of hope.
Concert at Encinitas Library – May 29th, 2024
FRANK: Sonata in A major for violin and piano
César Franck’s Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano is one of the most beloved masterpieces in the Romantic chamber music repertoire. Composed in 1886 as a wedding gift for the renowned violinist Eugène Ysaÿe, this sonata showcases Franck’s signature blend of lyrical melodies, rich harmonic textures, and cyclical form, where themes recur and transform throughout the four movements.
The piece features a balance of passionate intensity and serene beauty, with the violin and piano engaging in an intimate, dynamic dialogue. It begins with a tender, poetic Allegretto, followed by a dramatic Allegro, a soulful Recitativo-Fantasia, and concludes with a jubilant canon in the final Allegretto poco mosso. Franck’s Sonata is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical brilliance, making it a favorite among performers and audiences alike.
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✓ First concert notice
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