Aylesbury Lunchtime Music presents

Neil Crossland

30 October 2025

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

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

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

Neil Crossland piano

Programme

Neil has changed his programme from the advertised pieces so that he can include some of his new compositions.

  • 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.

    The piece is one of Beethoven’s most famous compositions for the piano, and was quite popular even in his own day. Beethoven wrote the Moonlight Sonata around the age of 30, after he had finished with some commissioned work; there is no evidence that he was commissioned to write this sonata.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    Yorkshire pianist and composer Neil Crossland studied at the Royal College of Music, where he won major prizes in both piano and composition. Since then he has performed extensively at home and abroad. He makes regular appearances at the Aylesbury Lunchtime Music concerts

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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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