New Piano Collective – October 16, 2016

Jeffrey LaDeur & Johnandrew Slominski
Old Wine in New Bottles

Maurice Ravel Sonatine
Frédéric Chopin Mazurkas, Op. 17; Berceuse, Op. 57; Barcarolle, Op. 60
Jean-Philippe Rameau Sarabande and Gavotte from Suite in A minor
Claude Debussy Pour le piano
Franz Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3 in B-flat
Zoltán Kodály Dances of Marosszek

Past is Prologue—Art confirms Shakespeare’s adage time and time again as great composers are inspired by those that came before them. Tonight’s program features music of reinvention and transformation, from Rameau’s gavotte, based on French chanson, to Debussy’s suite Pour le Piano, which reinterprets the Baroque suite through new harmonic language. In his mazurkas, Chopin transformed one of the quintessential dances of his native Poland into an endlessly poetic realm, honoring its folk dance tradition but presenting it as highly idiomatic concert music. His Barcarolle Op. 60 enriches the form beyond anything of its time, a forward looking piece of visionary inspiration. Likewise, the Berceuse, a rocking lullaby over the gentle monotony of the bass, becomes a gem of tender improvisation. Liszt looks to his native country’s music in the third Hungarian Rhapsody, an alternately plaintive and bewitching piece that eschews the bravado of many of the others. Kodály’s brilliant Dances of Marosszek are full of nostalgia for a simpler time, real or imagined. After an acclaimed San Francisco debut at Old First Concerts, pianist Johnandrew Slominski returns to perform music of Chopin and Ravel. His elegant and sophisticated playing has earned praise from composers and critics alike. Slominski seamlessly navigates the landscape of a varied and thriving career as a soloist, chamber musician, music theorist, author, pedagogue, and speaker. He is joined by founder and artistic director Jeffrey LaDeur who will offer music by Rameau, Debussy, Liszt, and Kodaly. LaDeur has given acclaimed performances around the world and maintains a repertoire of over 40 concerti. A passionate chamber musician, LaDeur is a founding member of the renowned Delphi Trio.