G-SHARP DUO

EMILIE-ANNE GENDRON, violin
YELENA GRINBERG, piano

PROGRAM
ITALIAN MASTERWORKS FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO II

PERGOLESI – Sonata in G Major for violin and keyboard (1730)
BOCCHERINI – Sonata in G minor for violin and keyboard, G. 29 (1768)
PAGANINI – Sonata in A Major for violin and piano (1830)
ROSSINI – Un mot a Paganini: Elegie for violin and piano (1860)
RESPIGHI – Berceuse; Valse caressante; Humoresque for violin and piano (1901-06)
STRAVINSKY – Suite after themes, fragments, and pieces by Pergolesi (1925)

A message from the pianist:

Dear Friends!

On Wednesday, May 24th, 2017, at 7 p.m., Emilie and I warmly invite you for Part II of the ITALIAN MASTERWORKS FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO. In this special sequel to Part I that we presented in April, we will perform some of the most delightful, both beloved and little-known, Italian works by Pergolesi, Boccherini, Paganini, Rossini, Respighi, and Stravinsky. Our all-Italian journey begins with the sunny Sonata in G Major for violin and keyboard (ca. 1730) by Giambattisa Pergolesi (1710-1736) – an early 18th-century Italian composer best known for then-popular opera buffa. (This Sonata’s memorable opening movement (Molto moderato) was immortalized by Igor Stravinsky some 200 years later in his Suite Italienne, after themes, fragments, and pieces by Pergolesi (1925) which will conclude our program). An Italian composer and virtuoso cellist, Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) exemplified the galant and courtly style of the Early Classical Era with his unique blend of fiery virtuosity and expressive cantabile style. His dark and stormy Sonata in G minor for violin and keyboard, G. 29 (1768) anticipates Beethoven’s Sturm und Drang style and, thus, is quite an exception to his typical Rococo lightness, elegance, and charm. Later in the 19th century, Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) took Europe by the storm as one of the most celebrated violin virtuosos of his time as well as one of the pillars of modern violin technique. His demonic virtuosity is on full display in his rhapsodic Sonata in A Major for violin and piano (1830) that concludes with a tour de force violin cadenza. Following in the footsteps of Paganini, Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) is regarded principally as an opera composer yet he also left a considerable number of piano pieces as well as vocal and instrumental chamber music, the majority of which are very seldom-played, including his one-and-only original work for violin and piano – Un mot a Paganini: Elegie (1860), a humorous portrait of Paganini. An Italian violinist, composer, and musicologist, Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was best known for his orchestral tone poems yet he, too, wrote a considerable number of chamber music works, including eight string quartets, a string quintet, a piano quintet, and his epic Violin Sonata in B minor. In addition to these large-scale instrumental works, Respighi also composed a number of picturesque miniatures, including a set of charming and seldom-played Six Pieces for violin and piano (1901-02), consisting of Berceuse, Melodia, Leggenda, Serenata, Aria, and a particularly captivating Valse Caressante – a sentimental nod to the Viennese Waltz. Our program concludes on a festive note with Igor Stravinsky’s Suite after themes, fragments, and pieces by Giambattista PergolesI (1925), cast in five parts (Introduzione, Serenata, Tarantella, Gavotta con Variazioni, Minuetto e Finale). The charm of Pergolesi’s sweet Italian tunes flitered through Stravinsky’s piquant Modernist style makes this one of the most beloved and enjoyable works both to play and to listen to. Don’t miss this delightful musical journey through the Italian Masterworks for Violin and Piano – Part II!

Emilie and I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, May 24th!

Best wishes,

Dr. Yelena Grinberg, founder and artistic director of the Grinberg Classical Salon Series

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24th, 2017, at 7:00 p.m.

Doors will open starting at 6:30 pm
The salon will begin promptly at 7:00 pm – NO late seating, please arrive on time!
Food-and-wine reception will follow the performance

WHERE: Private Residence on Upper West Side (upper 90s)

You will receive the exact address after you register through this website

ADMISSION: $25.00

Admission price includes food-and-wine reception with the guest Artist(s)
Limited to just 21 seats!
Advance purchase through this site is required. NO tickets will be sold at the door.

CONTACT: Yelena Grinberg ygpiano(at)gmail.com