Aylesbury Lunchtime Music presents

Kramer Durcan Duo

3 October 2024

Starts: 12:45pm, Doors: 12:15pm

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

£7 adults on the door (<18s & carers free)

Kramer Durcan Duo

Programme

They will perform movement 2 from Rachmaninov’s Op. 18.

  • 1921-1992

    Libertango (Piazzolla)

    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.

  • 1921-1992

    Oblivion (Piazzolla)

    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.

  • 1810-1856

    Fantasiestucke, Op.73 (Schumann)

    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.

  • Fantasie on Carnival of the Animals (Saint-Saëns)

    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.

  • Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (Rachmaninov)

    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.

  • 1898-1937

    Fantasia on an American in Paris (Gershwin)

    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.

Performers

  • Kramer Durcan Duo

    Violin/Piano Duo

    Miriam and Nicholas are known for their heartfelt and fiery performances, along with colourful programming, making them a firm favourite with audiences.
    Read More

Key information for concert goers

When

Every Thursday at 12:45pm (except August & over Christmas). Performances last around 60 minutes. Please enter quietly as there is a noon service in the Lady Chapel.

How much?

Entry is £7 per adult (card or cash), under 18s and carers are free. The price includes a programme. Donations are welcomed to subsidise the larger ensembles.

Where?

Performances are at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Aylesbury Old Town. See directions for further details.

Do I need to book?

No, just turn up. Doors open at 12:15 pm. Make sure you arrive in good time to get a seat.

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