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With its nearly limitless imaginative possibilities, the piano is the ultimate chameleon. It can sound like an orchestra, a voice, a percussion instrument…you name it! The orchestral qualities of the piano make it the perfect composer’s sandbox. Who better to show us the full range of the piano than virtuoso pianist and composer extraordinaire, Chopin. Chopin brought the full range of human emotion – and musical sound – to his intimate interpretations. He rarely performed in large spaces, preferring the convivial and appreciative salons hosted by his musical supporters and patrons. 

Pianist Audrey Vardanega performs a selection of Waltzes and Nocturnes chosen to recreate the ambiance of the 19th century salon and illuminate the wide variety of color and dramatic representation Chopin brought to the instrument. His innovations shaped the way we understand the piano as it exists today.

To open the program, Ravenna Lipchik and Music Director Eric Zivian play Clara Schumann’s achingly beautiful Three Romances for violin and piano. Clara Schumann was another virtuoso pianist, who toured Europe frequently, and left Franz Liszt awe-struck when she played for him and performed his works. Finally, the program ends with one of the most orchestral works by Clara’s husband Robert Schumann, his Piano Quintet. Robert’s warmth and humanity shine through in this chamber music gem, heard here as it was originally performed, on a mid-19th century Viennese piano and gut strings.

Blattner Series Lecture

This 4pm concert is preceded by a free Blattner Series Lecture by Nicholas McGegan at 2:30pm.

PROGRAM

Clara Schumann, The Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 (1853)

Frédéric Chopin,  Select Nocturnes and Waltzes 

Robert Schumann, Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44 (1842)

ARTISTS

Keir GoGwilt, violin
Ravenna Lipchik, volin
Carmen Johnson-Pájaro, violin
Liana Bérubé, viola
Tanya Tomkins, cello
Audrey Vardanega, fortepiano
Eric Zivian, fortepiano


2:30 Lecture & 4pm Concert

Approximately 2 hours with intermission

 

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