They will perform movement 2 from Rachmaninov's Op. 18.
Libertango is a composition by tango composer and bandoneon player Astor Piazzolla, recorded and published in 1974 in Milan. The title is a portmanteau merging “Libertad” (Spanish for “liberty”) and “tango”, symbolizing Piazzolla’s break from classical tango to tango nuevo.
Oblivion was composed in 1982 and originally arranged for bandonéon, piano and bass. It has since been arranged for piano solo, clarinet, orchestra, and even a spoken version. The piece was commissioned and featured in the 1984 film Enrico IV (“Henry IV”) by Marco Bellocchio. Adapted from the eponymous theatrical piece by Luigi Pirandello, the plot tells the story of a man who, after losing conscience, thinks he is the famous king. The piece became popular from the film and lives to this day through concert performances. Piazzola elicits an atmospheric and haunting ambience in his composition, evoking the image of oblivion.
i Zart und mit Ausdruck (Tender and with expression), ii Lebhaft, leicht (Lively, light), iii Rasch und mit Feuer (Quick and with fire)
Robert Schumann wrote the pieces over just two days in February 1849, and originally entitled them “Soirée Pieces” before settling on the title Fantasiestücke. The title is one Schumann was fond of, since he used it in several works. This poetic title promotes the fundamental Romantic notion that creative expression is the product of the artist’s unrestricted imagination. In addition, the connotations of “fantasy” justify the sudden mood changes.
i Introduction et marche royale du lion (Introduction and Royal March of the Lion), ii Poules et coqs (Hens and Roosters), iii Hémiones (animaux véloces) (Wild Asses (Swift Animals)), vi Tortues (Tortoises), v L'Éléphant (The Elephant), vi Kangourous (Kangaroos), vii Aquarium, viii Personnages à longues oreilles (Characters with Long Ears), ix Le Coucou au fond des bois (The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods), x Volière (Aviary), xi Pianistes (Pianists), xii Fossiles (Fossils), xiii Le cygne (The Swan), xiv Final (Finale)
The Carnival of the Animals is a humorous musical suite of 14 movements, including “The Swan”, by the French composer Saint-Saëns. It was written for private performance by two pianos and chamber ensemble; Saint-Saëns prohibited public performance of the work during his lifetime, feeling that its frivolity would damage his standing as a serious composer. The suite was published in 1922, the year after his death. A public performance in the same year was greeted with enthusiasm, and it has remained among his most popular.
i Moderato, ii Adagio sostenuto, iii allegro scherzando
The Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, is a concerto for piano and orchestra composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff between June 1900 and April 1901. The piece established his fame as a concerto composer and is one of his most enduringly popular pieces.
An American in Paris is a jazz-influenced symphonic poem (or tone poem) for orchestra by American composer George Gershwin first performed in 1928. It was inspired by the time that Gershwin had spent in Paris and evokes the sights and energy of the French capital during the Années folles.
Kramer Durcan Duo (Violin/Piano Duo)
The Kramer Durcan Duo‘s partnership began on a Eurostar train to London in 2004, when Miriam and Nicholas were each returning from separate performances in Paris. Since then, they’ve given over 500 performances together, broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, WQXR (USA) and recorded an acclaimed disc of music by Szymanowski on the Naxos label, described by the American Record Guide as ‘a superlative recording’ . Their performances have taken them to Hong Kong, USA, the Middle East, New Zealand and across Europe. They are based in London, where they have given recitals for the London Chamber Music Series and Rothschild’s Classical Recital Series, and have performed at London’s South Bank, Wigmore Hall, St. John’s Smith Square and Kings Place. Future performances include recitals in South Africa, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Cincinnati and across Israel. They will also be releasing a new recording of their own arrangements of music by Gershwin and by popular demand, Volume 2, of Side by Side.
Miriam and Nicholas are known for their heartfelt and fiery performances, along with colourful programming, making them a firm favourite with audiences.
Miriam Kramer began studying the violin at age four,giving her first public performance at the age of seven, with Mozart’s Concerto in G Major. Since then, her solo recitals and concerto performances have taken her round the world to such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center (USA), Wigmore Hall, Barbican Hall, King’s Place, St.David’s Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall (UK), Vienna Konzerthaus and Thestre Champs Elysees (France).
Praised by Strad Magazine as a violinist of superior natural talent,an exceptionally sensitive interpreter and a phrase maker of uncommon expressivity’ and by the NY Times as a ‘ soulful and virtuosic performer’, Miriam had also received critical acclaim for her 6 CDs, including Editor’s Choice for her recording of the violin music of Ernest Bloch, from Gramophone Magazine who has said ‘’Kramer’s playing could hardly be more heartfelt. Scanning the catalogue for rivals, her musicianship is irresistible.’’ This disc has been listed in the 2017 guide -1001 Classical Recordings You Must Hear -compiled by Matthew Rye and Steven Isserlis. Miriam had also been included in David Milson’s book, A-Z of String Players, 300 Great String Players. Alongside her performing and recording schedule, Miriam maintains a busy private teaching practice and is regularly invited to give masterclasses at the Darlington Festival and for the Benslow Music Trust. She champions the music of new composers and her latest project, a recording of Elegy, by British composer Andrew Pearce,with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, has led to invitations from other composers in France, Belgium and the USA, to record and perform their music. Miriam has broadcast on Classic FM,BBC Radio 3 and international radio, as well as on BBC television in a tribute to Yehudi Menuhin.
Piano
10 October 2024
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