Season's Rejoice Concert on 07.12.2025 скачать в хорошем качестве

Season's Rejoice Concert on 07.12.2025

Season's Rejoice Concert in collaboration with Summerland Bay Kempinski Summerland Ballroom Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 855 (No. 10, Book 1) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Faris Abdulal, piano This Prelude and Fugue appears in The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 (1722), Bach’s pioneering exploration of all major and minor keys. The E minor Prelude is built on a steady, arpeggiated texture that unfolds with clarity and introspection, revealing Bach’s refined harmonic sensibility. The Fugue is a 2 voice imitative invention whose angular and hurried character contrasts the serene flow of the prelude's accompaniment. The pair exemplifies Bach’s blend of intellectual rigor and expressive poise, forming part of a cornerstone collection for keyboard technique and musical understanding. Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36 – 1st Movement, Allegro agitato Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) Angelo El Khoury, cello Kevin Youssef, piano Grieg’s sole cello sonata, composed in 1883, is infused with Nordic melodic and rhythmic influences that evoke Norwegian folk traditions. The first movement, marked Allegro agitato, opens with passionate intensity and restless energy. The sonata’s sonata-allegro form is clearly defined, balancing fiery themes with lyrical interludes. Grieg’s writing demands expressive dialogue between cello and piano, weaving virtuosic flourishes with heartfelt lyricism, reflecting the Romantic era’s fascination with national identity and emotional expression. Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117 No. 2 Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) Faris Abdulal, piano Written in 1892, Brahms’ Op. 117 set of Intermezzi captures his late style’s introspective and lyrical qualities. The No. 2 in B-flat minor features a haunting, melancholic melody framed within a ternary ABA form. Its subtle rhythmic shifts and rich harmonic language evoke a deeply personal mood, characteristic of Brahms’ reflection in his later years. This piece moves beyond virtuosic display to focus on nuanced expression and poetic understatement, embodying the mature Romantic spirit. Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 19 – 3rd Movement, Andante Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) Angelo El Khoury, cello Kevin Youssef, piano In 1901, after his successful piano concerto 2, Sergei Rachmaninoff published his only sonata for cello and piano, a poignant reflection of his emotional state during that time. Preceding the composition of his second concerto and sonata, Rachmaninoff, interestingly, suffered from a creative block caused by the critical failure of his first symphony, leading him to undergo daily hypnotherapy sessions. The Andante third movement is the jewel of this sonata. Its harmonies delicately dance between major and minor, creating a bittersweet and uniquely captivating auditory embrace for the bell-like repeated notes at the start. With a dark and brooding atmosphere, the elongated phrases of this elegiac movement gradually intensify, reaching an impassioned climax before gently settling into a consoling calm of warm contentment. Nutcracker Suite (Marche, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) / arranged by Mikhail Pletnev Rami Tannous, piano Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite (1892) is one of the most popular ballet suites worldwide. The Marche opens with a regal, processional quality that sets the festive tone. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy follows, famed for its delicate celesta melody that evokes magical imagery. In this piano arrangement by Pletnev, the suite’s orchestral textures and colors are effectively transformed into a virtuosic piano display, capturing the suite’s charm and enchantment while showcasing technical brilliance. Drei Russische Lieder (Three Russian Songs) Mikhail Glinka (1804–1857) Maya Maalouf, violin Sarah Al Mallah, viola Rami Tannous, piano Glinka’s Drei Russische Lieder are foundational in Russian art song, drawing on folk melodies to express national identity. Composed in the early 19th century, these songs blend simplicity and sophistication, offering a window into Russian Romantic nationalism. The trio arrangement features violin and viola weaving melodic lines with piano accompaniment, bringing out the lyrical and rhythmic nuances of the folk-inspired themes. These songs helped set the stage for later Russian composers like Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov. Christmas Carols Medley Traditional, arranged for ensemble Maya Maalouf, violin Sarah Al Mallah, viola This medley of cherished Christmas carols presents Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel, Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Jingle Bells in an intimate setting for violin and viola. The arrangements emphasize melodic clarity and warm harmonies, inviting listeners to experience the joy and spirit of the season through a dialogue between strings. Each carol contributes a unique mood, from celebratory to contemplative, reflecting the timeless nature of these festive tunes.