PROGRAMME NOTES

ATCL
Nadia Fernandes
28/11/2018

1. Liebesträume No.3 – Franz Liszt

“Liebesträume” is German for “Dreams of Love”. This work consists of three themes, all expressing
different forms of love. While the first and second depict religious and erotic love respectively,
the third theme portrays unconditional mature love- Love that lasts long. Each of these themes
were conceived as ​lieder​ or as a setting after three poems.
The beauty of this piece is in the simple melody which is used throughout the piece, varied only
slightly each time. The piece also facilitates the use of the “three-hand effect”.
This third Notturno, while in the key of Ab Major, contains key changes that bring a sense of
restlessness and growing agitation. The constant tonal shifts can be described as an emotional
rollercoaster, taking the listener through feelings of love, loss, despair, languish and hope.
The piece is a classic example of music from the romantic era.

Duration of piece: 5 minutes

2. Romanze- Johannes Brahms

Romanze in F major is the fifth piece from ​6 Klavierstücke​ (Six Pieces for Piano) Op.118. These
pieces are among Brahms’ most beloved solo piano works. It is said that this work was
composed for Clara Schumann, a leading composer and pianist at the time, as well as a close
friend. This collection, being Brahms’ penultimate, is more introspective and displays emotional
maturity and understanding.
An exemplary piece from the Romantic period, the Romanze in F Major has been composed along
the lines of a lullaby-like melody, moving smoothly into a lighter, quicker second section in the
key of D major. The piece draws to a dreamy close with a steady descending scale pattern.

Duration of piece: 3:50 minutes

3. Sonata in C minor ​'Pathétique’​- Ludvig van Beethoven

Although one of Beethoven’s most celebrated Sonatas, the Pathétique’s origins are far from clear.
It seems likely that this Sonata was commissioned by one of Beethoven’s patrons during his
early years in Vienna. Composed when he was just 27 years old, this Sonata played an
important role in Beethoven’s future success and reputation as an influential composer and
extraordinary pianist.
The Pathétique stands out as a classic example of emotional unity combined with musical unity.
Beethoven’s use of the key of C minor, heavy opening chords, sudden indefinite silences, and a
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 very passionate second movement, gives this sonata a very characteristic appeal. The three
movements that make up this complex work, bring together several themes; such as the
Grave-Allegro tension-filled first movement; the slow, melodious second movement; and a
quick third movement that mimics the tonality of the second and the allegro of the first
movement respectively.

Duration of piece: 19:05 minutes

4. Grande Valse Brillante Op.18 – Frederic Chopin

From the romantic era, Frederic Chopin has stood out as a genius composer of his time. Chopin
composed chiefly for the piano and his works are technically extraordinary, demanding of the
instrument, and are known for their sensitivity and emotional vibrance.
The Grande Valse Brillante is the most famous of Chopin’s published waltzes. This salon-styled
waltz played an important role in moulding the aristocratic lifestyle of Vienna, a country known
for its country dances and waltzes.
The piece contains several repetitive sections, played at a lively tempo all through. While the main
theme of the piece is in the key of Eb Major, the various themes around the middle segment are
all played in the key of Db Major.

Duration of piece: 6 minutes

5. Boogie Woogie Llanoogie- Karl Jenkins

Karl Jenkins is a contemporary musician and composer of the modern period. He has made a name
for himself as a jazz and jazz-rock musician, and has been actively involved with music in the
entertainment industry, from music for advertisements, to choral works for documentaries and
films. Several of his works also dabble in the genre of new-age music.
The piece Boogie Woogie Llanoogie was composed by Jenkins for solo piano and is from his
‘Adiemus V: Vocalise’ c​ ollection. This collection has been described as a classical crossover, and
comprises pieces spanning musical genres such as classical, choral, jazz-rock and neo-classical.
Aptly titled, Boogie Woogie Llanoogie is a fast and lively piece, played Moto perpetuo and Molto
energico (with rapid, energetic movements).

Duration of piece: 3:30 minutes

Total duration of performance: 37:25 minutes