Our piano recital on Sunday was a sell out! a real success and we are now looking forward to our next one. A few pictures are below along with the program notes should you wish to read them.
Program notes:
Macclesfield recital programme notes – 23rd September
Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971 – Bach
Early eighteenth century musical tastes are predominantly concerned with the differences in national styles across Europe. In 1735 the Italian Concerto was published alongside the French Overture, BWV 831 to form Part II of Bach’s Clavierübung, meaning, “keyboard practice”. Bach’s ability to effortlessly assimilate all the available styles or forms into his compositional technique are demonstrated perfectly by this concerto, which by definition traditionally calls for the contrasts between a full orchestra against a smaller group of instrumentalists. In this solo keyboard work, Bach originally achieved this juxtaposition of orchestral effects by calling for a specific instrument, a double manual harpsichord, which possessed greater dynamic possibilities than the traditional harpsichord of the period.
Sonata No. 9 in A minor, KV 310 – Mozart
There is actually a little bit of debate as to whether this sonata is Mozart’s 8th or 9th sonata. Sometimes referred to as No. 8 due to the KV310 classification, it was actually composed a year after sonata KV311 in D major, which by year of composition, is the true number 8. Regardless of which number is which, this sonata is only one of two keyboard sonatas written in a minor key by Mozart, as such it demonstrates a darker, much more intense side of Mozart’s musical personality. Written shortly after the death of Mozart’s mother, the outer movements are full of dramatic, haunting and obsessive motifs that only give way in the lyrical, peaceful second movement.
Study #405 - Michael Betteridge world premiere
Manny and I go way back so I was absolutely delighted when he asked me to compose a piece for him. Despite having known each other for 5 years or so we've never collaborated on anything musically! Manny has a real knack for melody, phrasing and creating beautiful shapes within pieces which this programme demonstrates. To counteract this, I decided to compose a work that was very rhythmic and methodical, hence the title 'Study 405'. The piece itself is constructed from a series of pitches (7 to be precise) that rotate through a rhythm (usually of 6 moments) to create an isorhythm where the pitches and their initial placement in the rhythm only realign every so often. This creates a rather mechanical feel throughout the work. Rather than developing the material in a classical/traditional sense, I've used blocks of material and inserted them after a rotation or two of each isorhythmic idea. The '405' in the title comes, somewhat arbitrarily, from the number of my flat, although, being a converted mill, one could see the piece as an architectural interpretation of the various juxtaposed components of the building, i.e exposed craggy brickwork against very white and clean modern walls. This is a common feature of converted buildings in Manchester City Centre where Manny and I both live.
2 Nocturnes, Op 27 – Chopin
From miniature scale preludes and mazurkas to expansive ballades and scherzi, Chopin’s prolific output for solo piano forms an essential part of the pianistic repertoire. These two nocturnes are arguably his well-known and best-crafted nocturnes, whilst this opus signifies the shift from grouping nocturnes as triplets to instead coupling them, which works particularly well for these two contrasting nocturnes. The opening nocturne is full of sorrow, melancholy and emotional turmoil; the second nocturne is a tranquil, full of joy and sunshine.
James Bond Concert Etude – John Barry, arranged Emmanuel Vass
As a Yorkshire lad, it is an immense pleasure to be playing my own self-arranged concert etude of James Bond film themes originally composed by fellow Yorkshire lad John Barry. In this piece, I have woven together three of the best-known themes from the films Goldfinger; You Only Live Twice and the 007 theme. Bond meets Liszt – I hope you enjoy it!
Love Walked In – Gershwin, arranged Percy Grainger
George Gershwin originally wrote “Loved Walked In” for the 1938 film, “The Goldwyn Follies”. As was the standard practice at the time, artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra subsequently sang acclaimed cover versions of this song. The popularity and longevity of Gershwin’s songs have made him a staple of the Great American songbook repertoire. Australian pianist Percy Grainger was well known for arranging folk and popular melodies for the piano, and this arrangement brings together very lyrical and expressive writing alongside virtuosic and dazzling pianist effects.
