Mainz Klavier Inaugural Concert

[PROGRAM] - Part 1 - L.v.Beethoven - Piano Sonata No.30 in E Major, Op.109 I. Vivace ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo II. Prestissimo III. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo This work marks the beginning of Beethoven's late piano sonatas and embodies the profound spirituality and inner peace he achieved in the solitude of complete deafness. It is characterized by a bold departure from classical sonata form, maximizing lyrical and poetic beauty as if freely flowing like a fantasy. Following the compressed development of the first two movements, the work reaches its emotional climax in the third movement variations, which form the core of the piece. Six variations unfold meticulously over a warm and pure hymn-like theme, which Beethoven himself marked as "singing, with deepest feeling." Through delicate trills and fantastic arpeggios, it evokes the resonance of the soul on the keyboard, revealing the late style of a master who transcended struggle and conflict to achieve contemplation of life and spiritual elevation—a masterpiece of its kind. J. S. Bach - F. Busoni - Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 This is an arrangement for solo piano by the great Italian pianist Ferruccio Busoni of the "Chaconne," the final movement of Bach's Partita No. 2 for Solo Violin. To Bach's original work, which expressed the universe with a single solo violin, Busoni added the overwhelming range and rich orchestral resonance of the modern grand piano, transforming it into a perfect and unique work of art. Sixty-four variations develop organically over a majestic bass theme. It has a dramatic structure that begins in the solemn sorrow of D minor, passes through the celestial tranquility of D major, and returns again to passionate minor. This piece, in which Bach's religious restraint and Romantic passion are delicately balanced, bestows deep emotion upon the audience through its spatial quality reminiscent of pipe organ performance and demanding pianism. - Part 2 - J. Brahms - Klavierstücke, Op.119 1. Intermezzo in b minor 2. Intermezzo in e minor 3. Intermezzo in C Major 4. Rhapsodie in E♭Major The last solo piano pieces composed by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), consisting of three intermezzos and one rhapsody. The first intermezzo is dominated by arpeggiated chord melodies progressing in thirds, and the second intermezzo, in ABA form, is characterized by elegant and slow triple-meter melodies. The third intermezzo features the main melody in the inner voices, while the final rhapsody, compared to the three intermezzos, is a large-scale dramatic work displaying bold and heroic qualities. F. Mendelssohn - Fantasie in f# minor, Op. 28 1. Con moto agitato - Andante - Con moto agitato 2. Allegro con moto 3. Presto Mendelssohn, a composer representing German Romanticism, created this work as a fusion of the freedom of fantasy and Romantic beauty within sonata form. Originally composed under the title "Scottish Sonata," it was published as "Fantasia" in 1833. The three movements are also structured in attacca form, connecting seamlessly into one. The first movement opens with arpeggios unfolding like mist in darkness. Within an improvisatory atmosphere, a lyrical and melancholic melody emerges, and the music gradually builds tension toward an intense climax. It then returns to a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere to conclude the movement. The second movement shifts to major, developing in a bright and cheerful scherzo style. Light, elegant, and tender, this short movement stands out for its refined structure and contrapuntal technique. The third movement returns to minor with a fast and passionate atmosphere. Continuous rapid scales, leaps, and brilliant passages create strong momentum and energy, concluding with a resolute ending that conveys a sense of firm determination.