Jeffrey LaDeur – September 12, 2014

Franz Schubert Impromptu in C minor, D. 899, No. 1Derek Bermel TurningRobert Schumann Fashingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26Claude Debussy Images, Book IIAlexander Scriabin Sonata No. 3 in F-sharp minor, Op. 23Praised for his “…articulate, expressive work at the keyboard…” (San Francisco Classical Voice) and “…dazzling pianism…” (Sarasota Herald Tribune) pianist Jeffrey LaDeur makes his solo recital debut at Old First Concerts. Familiar to O1C audiences as pianist of the Delphi Trio, LaDeur has performed as soloist at the Kennedy Center, Eastman Theater, Dakota Sky International Piano Festival, and PianoForte Salon Series in his native Chicago. This program features music inspired by a search for meaning, belonging and connection, beginning with Schubert’s Impromptu in C minor. The concert continues with American composer Derek Bermel’s Turning. Written in 1995 after the composer’s return from Ghana, Bermel describes the work as “a mirror of my musical consciousness, East vs. West”. Schumann’s Carnaval Jest in Vienna was composed in 1839 for Clara Schumann’s forthcoming recital in Paris and shows the composer at his most exuberant and playful. The second book of Images by Debussy looks East in its use of whole tone and pentatonic scales and includes some of Debussy’s most alluring piano pieces. Alexander Scriabin’s Third Piano Sonata (États d’Âme) closes the concert with drama, poetry and fire.