Russian Jewels for Piano Four-Hands

you to join us for the RUSSIAN JEWELS FOR PIANO FOUR-HANDS - a brilliant showcase of some of the most gorgeous Russian masterworks ever composed for piano four-hands by Glinka, Rubinstein, Borodin, Arensky, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. Our all-Russian program will open on a festive note with the Capriccio brillante on Russian Themes for piano duet (1834) - a fabulous example of early Russian nationalism by Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857), who was widely regarded as the pioneer of the Russian Classical music. Following in the footsteps of Glinka, Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894) was a Russian virtuoso pianist, prolific composer, charismatic conductor, and founder of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His charming Pieces caracteristiques for piano four-hands, op. 50 (1854-58) are comprised of six evocative miniatures, which include a mercurial Capriccio and a lyrical Berceuse. Anton Arensky (1861-1906) was a Russian Romantic composer, pianist, and professor of music at Moscow Conservatory who was perhaps his best in chamber music. He also wrote a wide array of colorful miniatures for piano duet, such as his picturesque Suite No. 2, op. 23 (1892), subtitled "Silhouettes", cast in five characterful movements: Le Savant, La Coquette, Polichinelle, Le Reveur, and La Danseuse. Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was a Russian chemist and a Romantic composer who belonged to the famous Nationalist coalition of Russian composers known as the "The Mighty Five." His fiery Tarantella in D Major for piano four-hands (1862) represents a brilliant synthesis of Mendelssohnian effervescence, Italian flair, and Russian patriotism. The influence of the Italianate lyricism can be felt in Glinka's heartfelt Valse-Fantaisie for piano four-hands (1839) - an elegant and wistful dance that pays hommage to the music of Chopin and Schubert, which Glinka later orchestrated. A Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor, Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and a pioneer of Russian Modernism. His witty Five Easy Pieces for piano four-hands (1917) were composed for his children and include his personal favorite, Balalaika - a reference to the folkloric Russian stringed instrument. A Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor of the late Romantic Period and first half of the 20th century, Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) coined a deeply personal style notable for its amorous expression, soulful lyricism, lushly chromatic harmonies, bell-like sonorities, rich orchestral colors, and brilliant virtuosity, such as we find in his youthful set of Six Morceaux for piano four-hands, op. 11 (1894), which consist of the melancholy Barcarolle, scintillating Scherzo, folklike Theme Russe, elegant Valse, hauntingly beautiful Romance, and, for the grand finale, Glory, full of Slavic splendor. You sure don't want to miss this dazzling showcase of the Russian Jewels for Piano Four-Hands!!!
Elena and I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, May 22nd!
Warmest wishes,

Dr. Yelena Grinberg, founder and artistic director of the Grinberg Classical Salon Series
 
WHEN: Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019, at 7 p.m.
          Doors will open at 6:30 pm. There will be NO late seating.          Food-and-wine reception to follow the performance
WHERE: Private Residence on Upper West Side (upper 90s)
          You will be emailed the exact home address after you register through this website
ADMISSION: $35
          Admission price includes the wine-and-hors d'oeuvres reception with the guest Artists          Attendance is limited to just 21 seats!          Note: Advance ticket purchase through this site is required. NO tickets will be sold at the door!
CONTACT: Yelena Grinberg (ygpiano@gmail.com)
PROGRAM:
RUSSIAN JEWELS FOR PIANO FOUR-HANDS
GLINKA - Capriccio Brillante on the Russian Themes in A Major for piano four-hands (1834)RUBINSTEIN - Select Pieces for piano four-hands, op. 50 (1854-58)ARENSKY - Select Pieces from Suite No. 2 for piano four-hands, op. 23 (1892)BORODIN - Tarantella in D Major for piano four-hands (1862)***GLINKA - Valse-Fantaisie for piano four-hands (1839, rev. 1845)STRAVINSKY - Five Easy Pieces for piano four-hands (1917)RACHMANINOFF - Six Morceaux for piano four-hands, op. 11 (1894)
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