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[PROGRAM]
J.S.Bach - Prelude and Fugue in G minor, BWV 861
A work included in Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier, it harmonizes Bach's characteristic rigorous counterpoint with deep emotion. The prelude captures tension and subdued feelings within gently flowing figurations, delicately unfolding the dark tones inherent to the minor key. The following fugue progressively builds cohesion through a clear subject and meticulous voice leading, simultaneously revealing both inner tragedy and intellectual structural beauty. Overall, it is a work through which one can feel profound contemplation and sublimity within restrained emotion.
L.v.Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90
A work embodying the characteristics of the transition from his middle to late period, condensing deep emotion and experimental composition within a concise formal structure. Consisting of two movements, this sonata creates a strong contrast between the first movement with its violent and anxious atmosphere and the second movement, which is lyrical and gentle like a song. Particularly, the final movement allows one to sense tranquility and inner reconciliation within an endlessly flowing melody, foreshadowing late Beethoven's characteristic spirituality and lyricism. It is regarded as a work where delicate expression and deep interpretation are more important than flashy technique.
R.Schumann - Carnaval, Op. 9
A piano suite with the subtitle "Little Scenes on Four Notes," it vividly depicts the fantastic atmosphere of a masquerade ball. Each piece is structured as a short character piece, musically portraying Schumann himself, his beloved Clara, friends, and characters from the Commedia dell'arte. Throughout the work, the motif 'A–S–C–H' is used as the central theme, creating unity, while poetic imagination and literary sensitivity are deeply infused. It is a representative work of Schumann's early piano music where splendor and delicacy, humor and interiority intersect.
M.Ravel - Le tombeau de Couperin, III. Forlane
A modern reinterpretation of the Forlane, a Baroque court dance. Subtle dissonance and delicate color are added atop elegant and restrained rhythm, allowing classical formal beauty and Ravel's characteristic Impressionistic sonority to coexist. While superficially sounding like a light and refined dance piece, the melancholy and tension subtly woven throughout leave a deep resonance. Particularly important are the flowing melody, meticulous pedal work, and transparent tone color, which exemplify Ravel's characteristic refined sensibility and French elegance.