Music becomes our lives
when it embodies our society.
REMINISCENCE
Revisiting echoes of moments past, painting memories in hues of the heart's gallery.
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Each piece in this concert program resonates with distinct artistic prowess, offering a multifaceted journey through ancient chants, classical elegance, inventive reinterpretation, and the vibrant energy of modern jazz, echoing the theme of 'reminiscence.’
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Ottorino Respighi – Three Preludes on Gregorian Melodies, No. 1
Chopin - ‘La ci darem la mano’
Friedrich Kalkbrenner – 5 variations on Chopin’s Mazurka in B flat major, Op. 120
Liszt - ‘Sarabande and Chaconne after Handel’s Almira’
Fazil Say – Paganini Variations in the style of modern jazz for piano
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Ottorino Respighi, renowned for his orchestral prowess and emotive musical landscapes, delves into ancient musical motifs in his "Three Preludes on Gregorian Melodies." The opening prelude, drawn from the timeless fabric of Gregorian chants, tells the poignant tale of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt to safeguard the young Jesus from King Herod’s looming threat. Respighi masterfully weaves these ancient melodies into a contemporary tapestry, preserving their haunting allure while infusing them with a modern harmonic language. With a masterful stroke, Respighi doesn't merely honor these sacred chants; he rejuvenates them, beckoning listeners on a contemplative voyage that unites the ancient with the present. The piece unfolds as a mesmerizing blend of homage and innovation, evoking a spiritual reflection within a modern musical landscape. It invites listeners on a contemplative voyage that unites the ancient with the present time.
Franz Schubert’s "Impromptu in B flat major," affectionately known as "Rosamunde," stands as a testament to his lyrical brilliance. While the nickname "Rosamunde" emerged posthumously, it echoes a theme from his incidental music for the play "Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus." As part of his Op. 142 set, this piece resonates with a serene yet bittersweet beauty. Schubert intricately weaves emotive melodies throughout the Impromptu, each phrase unfolding with grace and tenderness. Captivating audiences with its seamless fusion of elegance and poignant sentiment, the "Rosamunde" Impromptu showcases Schubert’s genius in evoking profound emotions within a concise musical form.
Friedrich Kalkbrenner, celebrated for his virtuosity and innovative compositions during the Romantic era, crafted "5 Variations, Op. 120" as an ode to Frédéric Chopin’s Mazurka in B flat major. Their musical paths intersected during Kalkbrenner's instruction of Chopin in Paris, providing an intriguing link between these influential composers. Each variation unveils Kalkbrenner's imaginative touch, reimagining Chopin’s material with technical brilliance and expressive depth, paying homage to Chopin’s original while showcasing Kalkbrenner’s finesse in elaborating upon this cherished musical theme.
Fazil Say - Paganini Jazz Variations
Inspired by Paganini's timeless melody, Say infuses them with the vibrant essence of jazz, inviting listeners into an exhilarating dialogue between classical virtuosity and the spontaneous energy of jazz improvisation. Through this ingenious synthesis, Say unveils his prowess as both a classical interpreter and a trailblazing contemporary artist, breathing fresh vitality into Paganini's compositions while paying homage to the enduring legacy of jazz.
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April 21st, 2024
Philadelphia, PA
Louis Moreau Gottschalk
The inaugural American virtuoso who, like a musical envoy, introduced the distinctive echoes of the New World to the Old.
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A Creole composer, Gottschalk gained the first international recognition as an American. His unlimited creativity in music explains his fame during his lifetime. In his music, you can hear the sonorities of Creole, Carribean countries, Central Europe, plus his concern for society as a kind human being.
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Le Bananier Op. 5
Bamboula Op. 2
Souvenirs d’andalousie Op. 22
L’etincelle Op. 20
The Souvenir Puerto Rico Op. 31
The Union Op. 48
The Dying Poet Op. 110
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Watch Souvenir de Puerto Rico
Watch The Union
CHI-town
Multimedia Cultural Experience of Chicago
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This multimedia project features piano solo works written by seven Chicago-based composers from the 1900s to the present day, in an approachable concert setting. Video images of Chicago from the past 120 years will be paried with a live performance of piano compositions from the same time period, bringing audience members on a multi-media journey through Chicago’s history.
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Florence Price - Snapshots
Betty Jackson King - Four Seasonal Sketches
Carter Pann - The Bills for piano No. 2 ‘William Bolcom’
Augusta Read Thomas - Eurythmy Etude ‘Still Life’
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April 2nd, 2023
Northbrook, IL
Female Composers
The unique features that female composers bring to us is quite different from what we’ve been used to in the works of BBB (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms). These extraordinary women’s sensitivity and intimacy will touch your souls.
Diversity
Exploring composers from social minority groups will broaden your perspective in classical music. These include, but are not limited to African American, Asian, and Creole composers.
World Tour?
Do you miss traveling? How about a spiritual trip around the world within the realm of music? Let me guide you from the Americas to Southern Europe!
Romantic Night
If you are in the mood for a cozy and sensual night, romantic music is a must. It will not only include popular pieces, but also dabble in music you may have not heard before!
Jazz Influences
Did you know that jazz also stems from classical music? Let me take you on a journey in the works of William Bolcom, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Nikolai Kapustin and more.
Music and Visual Arts
Here, we traverse into expanding our auditory senses together with artistic visual arts. This project includes works by Shakespeare, opera scenes, and also impressionistic paintings.
Are you ready to delve into how classical music is closely related to the other parts of our lives?
Be Instinctive
In our daily lives, we tend to use our left brain for decision-making. Sometimes, it’s more enjoyable to be instinctive and relax. Medium length pieces, such as Fantasies and Rhapsodies, which are free from the conventional forms, will open your mind and become instinctive!
Kid Friendly
Thirty minutes of music with a story line will bring an enjoyable experience while revealing classical music to children. Kids will not only experience sounds, but will also engage themselves through imagination and creativity.