This week’s Wednesday lunchtime concert showcased final year pianist, Becky.
The concert showcased two of Chopin’s most revered pieces for solo piano: Waltz in A major and Scherzo in B flat minor. Chopin’s Waltz in A flat major was given the name ‘L’adieu’, which translates as farewell in English. It was composed in 1835 and was given to Maria Wodzińska, to whom Chopin proposed marriage – the only time in his life – in the same year; however, the destined parting of the two became evident owing to the vision that Wodzińska’s family had for her. Becky successfully portrayed the pain of lost love which Chopin must have felt at the time of composition. Becky’s sensitive, mature and expressive performance was felt by all.
Following this, Becky performed Chopin’s Sherzo in B flat minor, op. 31. Ever since scherzos first appeared in the Baroque Era, the vast majority are identified by their light and frivolous character. Chopin brought the scherzo to life as an independent movement, detached from the frame of a sonata or a symphony, expanding, developing, and transforming it simultaneously. Chopin’s musical fecundity, full of violent yet volatile qualities in this particular scherzo, often take people on a journey to the realm of the unspoken, as if there is something philosophical and profound between the notes, or behind the notes, or contained within the notes. Becky’s performance left our audience completely captivated and in awe of our accomplished pianist.
Congratulations, Becky.
