Saturday, July 24, 2010 20:00
Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium
Tickets: MOP 120, 80
S. Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, op. 16
R. Strauss: Don Juan, op. 20
I. Stravinsky: “The Firebird”Suite
Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor was highly criticised and considered the devil’s work by some audiences following its premiere. The work, nevertheless, received high acclaim from his supporters. As music critic Viatcheslav Karatygin said, "I believe a decade later the audience will accord him the positive acclaim he deserves and atone for their previous abrupt and wrongful claims." The work, which has survived the test of time, is interpreted anew by gifted Chinese pianist Chen Sa. With her stunning skill, she will drive the tempestuous music forward for a compelling concerto performance!
Richard Strauss was regarded as the successor to Wagner’s music and one of the most significant composers of the late Romantic era. His creative works feature a style at once vigourous and modern. Strauss’ first successful tone poem Don Juan – deeply influenced by German poet Nikolaus Lenau – depicts the composer's romantic experiences and the emotional feelings he nurtured for his lover. While at first elegant and peaceful melodies express the happiness of love, the piece later adopts a dismal, grieving tone which, in addition to reflecting the composer’s shock at Don Juan’s death, generates a strong romantic ambience and reveals his thirst for life.
In composing The Firebird Suite, Stravinsky drew on more profound symphonic thinking to reveal the artistic conceptions of ballet and created a fascinating symphonic picture. Upon absorbing the essence of the newly established Impressionist movement, the innovative composer furnished his imaginative work with vividness and modern musical flavour. At the same time, Stravinsky’s music is deeply rooted in the Russian school of music and reflects a profound nationalist style. In addition to winning Stravinsky instant success, The Firebird Suite pointed the way for his following series of balletic works.
Here is an unrivalled opportunity to experience the musical accomplishments of three esteemed and acclaimed masters!
Conductor: Lü Jia
Chen Sa, Piano
Duration: approx. 100 minutes (including one 15-minute intermission)
Tickets: MOP 120/ 80
Tickets are available through the KONGSENG Ticket Net
The organiser reserves the right to alter the programme and/ or the cast of performers