2021 Virtual Salon Concert Archives

Julio Elizalde Plays Debussy & Chopin

ARTISTS

Julio Elizalde piano

PROGRAM

Claude Debussy
Préludes, Book II (1913)

Frédéric Chopin
Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Artistic Director Julio Elizalde presents a virtual piano recital featuring Claude Debussy’s second book of twelve groundbreaking Préludes including his virtuosic Fireworks. Julio contrasts the program with Frédéric Chopin’s demonic and finger-busting Scherzo No. 1 in B minor. The performance will also include commentary about the compositions and the composers to enhance your enjoyment of the music.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The first performance of the 2021 Olympic Chamber Music Fellowship features two of the most famous piano quartets from the late romantic era by Antonín Dvořák and his mentor Johannes Brahms. Dvořák’s second piano quartet in E-flat major, Op. 87 is one of his most famous works overflowing with the charm of his bohemian-inspired melodies. Brahms’ first piano quartet has become a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire with thrilling gypsy-inspired finale! Violinist YooJin Jang makes her festival debut.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Experience three extraordinary compositions written by three musical giants. Although Franz Schubert only died one year after Ludwig van Beethoven, his music was already reaching for the power of romantic lyricism in his profound Fantasy in F minor for four-hand piano. The famed “ghost” trio by Beethoven received its nickname for the ominous and programmatic slow movement full of dark murmurs and shocking outbursts. Mozart’s String Quintet in G minor is a late work that captured his pure genius using the same key as his famous Symphony No. 40.

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From six instruments down to just two, Russian composers have had an unusual ability to create dimension and power resembling an orchestra while confined to the personnel of a chamber music setting. Alfred Schnittk’s Moz-Art from 1976 is a Picasso-like pastiche on themes by Mozart with some unexpected directions to the performers. With darker colors similar to Schubert’s String Quintet with two cellos, Arensky’s unconventional work explores themes from the Russian orthodox church with unforgettable sounds. Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence is one of the great masterworks of Russian chamber music with melodies reminiscent of his most famous ballets and symphonies. Violinist Jennifer Frautschi makes her festival debut.

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La Belle Époque was a period of time in late 19th century and early 20th century France overflowing with optimism, prosperity, and astonishing artistic beauty. These three works capture that spirit beginning with Maurice Ravel’s exploration of the Viennese waltz as seen through an impressionistic lens in La Valse. Ernest Chausson is most famous for his ravishing Poeme for violin and orchestra but his piano quartet is a hidden gem in French chamber music with intoxicating lyricism. Gabriel Fauré is seen as a critical link between the elegant romanticism of Camille Saint-Saëns and the groundbreaking explorations of Debussy and Ravel. His first piano quartet is a perfect snapshot in time as French composers were beginning to experiment with more exotic colors and a wider range of emotion.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

OMF Artistic Director Julio Elizalde joins forces with legendary pianist Robert McDonald in a piano extravaganza to bring the 2021 summer season to a riveting close. The program will include Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 109, which shows the master composer at his most spiritual and improvisatory. Frédéric Chopin’s Barcarolle is one of the Polish composer’s most extraordinary compositions with music reminiscent of Venice and the romantic song of the gondolier on the water. McDonald performs selections from Debussy’s first book of magical Préludes including the Girl with the Flaxen Hair.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Join the fabulous GardenMusic as they kick off the Olympic Music Festival’s 2021 summer season with a thrilling combination of styles including jazz and bluegrass! Led by Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams, GardenMusic is a group of extraordinarily versatile classical musicians who bring their unique talents together for what has become a favorite of our audience with sold-out performances over the last five years.