Neil Crossland

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Sonata No 14 Op. 27 No.2 “Moonlight Sonata” (Beethoven)

i Adagio sostenuto, ii Allegretto, iii Presto agitato

The Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, marked Quasi una fantasia, Op. 27, No. 2, is a piano sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven, completed in 1801 and dedicated in 1802 to his pupil Countess Julie “Giulietta” Guicciardi. Although known throughout the world as the Moonlight Sonata, it was not Beethoven who named it so. The name grew popular later, likely long after Beethoven’s death.

Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)

Three Minuets, SC 61 (Puccini)

Originally written for string quartet, these Three Minuets offer a rare glimpse into Puccini’s early instrumental writing, composed long before his operatic masterpieces. In Neil Crossland’s sensitive piano arrangement, the charm and elegance of the originals are reimagined through a new textural lens. The music balances classical poise with a lyrical warmth that hints at Puccini’s later melodic genius. I find this arrangement particularly rewarding to play — it reveals a side of Puccini that is both refined and full of youthful grace.

Neil Crossland

Three Meditations, Op. 52 (Crossland)

i Mystical Dreams, ii Reverie, iii Lyrical Journey

These Three Meditations invite both performer and listener into an introspective sound world. Each piece explores a different facet of contemplation — from the atmospheric Mystical Dreams to the tender Reverie and the flowing lyricism of Lyrical Journey. Their harmonic richness and quiet intensity create a reflective arc that feels almost like a personal narrative. I find them deeply satisfying to play, as they draw the listener inward rather than outward, offering a space for calm reflection amid the programme’s contrasts.

Neil Crossland

Reinventing the Invention, Op. 76 (Crossland)

Inspired by Bach’s Inventions Nos. 1, 8, 13 & 14. In this work, I revisit some of Bach’s Two-Part Inventions and expand them into Four-Part Inventions, building upon his contrapuntal foundations with two newly composed voices. This transformation opens up a richer harmonic and textural landscape while preserving Bach’s original spirit of clarity and dialogue. The result is both homage and reinvention — the timeless logic of Bach’s counterpoint reinterpreted through modern harmony and pianistic colour. I see these pieces not as reconstructions but as living conversations with Bach’s ingenuity, exploring how his concise musical ideas can blossom into broader, more contemporary forms.

Neil Crossland

Suite of Contrasts, Op. 75 (Crossland)

i Summer Rain, ii Catch & Grab, iii Study in a Bach Prelude, iv Mesmeric, v Hommage Bartók-nak

This suite lives up to its title — a kaleidoscope of moods, textures, and styles. Summer Rain opens with shimmering delicacy, while Catch & Grab brings playful rhythmic energy. Study in a Bach Prelude bridges centuries again, weaving Bach-inspired motifs into modern harmonic language. Mesmeric lingers in hypnotic stillness before the exuberant finale, Hommage Bartók-nak, pays spirited tribute to Bartók’s rhythmic drive and folk-inflected harmonies. Together, the movements form a vibrant journey through contrast and character — a fitting close to the recital.

Performers

Neil Crossland - Piano

Neil Crossland is a distinguished British pianist and composer from Yorkshire. His musical journey began at age six, leading him to the Royal College of Music in London, where he earned top prizes in piano and composition. Crossland has performed in prestigious venues such as the Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Wigmore Hall, and is particularly noted for his complete performances of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas at St James' Piccadilly.

Beyond his performance career, Crossland is a recording artist with an extensive recording project on the Deltatel label. This project includes over 20 recordings, featuring the complete Beethoven piano sonatas as well as works by Schumann, Liszt, and Poulenc.

In addition to his recording and performance work, Crossland is committed to music education, frequently leading workshops and masterclasses. His work is regularly featured on BBC Radio 3 and 4, underscoring his significant contributions to classical music both as a performer and composer.

Neil collaborates with CNM (Colchester New Music) and LCF (London Composers Forum), engaging with contemporary composers through performance, recording, and workshops. Having worked with over 100 composers, he is enthusiastic about new music and invites composers to contact him for recording and performance opportunities at composersworks@gmail.com.