17th LVSO SUMMER FESTIVAL
CONCERT PROGRAMME
F. Schubert. Three piano pieces
R. Schumann. “Carnaval”, Op. 9
F. Chopin. 24 Preludes, Op. 28
The Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, led by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Gintaras Rinkevičius, continues the tradition of opening the LVSO Summer Festival with solo recitals by distinguished musicians. This year, the LVSO Concert Hall stage welcomes piano virtuoso Alexander Paley with an impressive program featuring masterpieces by the great Romantics Franz Schubert (1797–1828), Robert Schumann (1810–1856), and Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849).
The recital will begin with one of F. Schubert’s final works – Three Piano Pieces composed in 1828. The work was first brought to public attention forty years after its composition, when it was discovered and anonymously edited by Johannes Brahms. The Three Piano Pieces express F. Schubert’s unique sonic world and the universe of his personality: daring and unusual harmonies, lyrical melodies, and episodes of deep sensitivity and intimacy.
The concert continues with R. Schumann’s “Carnaval”, a set of 21 piano pieces behind which hide colorful carnival characters: the composer himself, his friends and colleagues, as well as characters from the Italian commedia dell’arte. “To unravel my masquerade will be a true game for you,” – wrote R. Schumann about the work.
For the evening’s climax, Alexander Paley chose another intriguing masterpiece – F. Chopin’s 24 Preludes for piano. These preludes are recognized as one of the most characteristic works of the composer. They are not only the quintessence of F. Chopin’s musical style but also a reflection of his emotional experiences at the time. Each prelude is an emotionally charged, unique composition that can stand alone, yet performed together they invite the listener on a mysterious musical journey full of contrasts and emotions. Musicologist Hugo Leichtentritt emphasizes this exceptional quality: “The variety of moods and impressions contained in F. Chopin’s preludes is unparalleled in the entire world’s musical literature.”