Anna Fedorova invites us to explore a musical journey with her in the first half of her program for Steinway Society on October 5, 2024 takes an intricate look at the depths of the human psyche through the lens of three master composers: Maurice Ravel, Alexander Scriabin, and Manuel de Falla. Each piece, in its own unique way, delves into themes of darkness, mystery, and the mystical.
Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit
Fedorova begins our journey in the shadowy world of Gaspard de la nuit, a collection of three piano pieces inspired by the tales of Aloysius Bertrand. The opening movement, “Ondine,” evokes the ethereal beauty and seductive allure of a water nymph. Ravel’s delicate touch and shimmering arpeggios create a mesmerizing underwater world. The second movement, “Le Gibet,” is a macabre dance of death, with its haunting melody and dissonant harmonies. Finally, “Scarbo,” the most virtuosic of the three, depicts a mischievous goblin who torments a sleeping man. Ravel’s intricate polyrhythms and explosive dynamics capture the frenzied energy of Scarbo’s attack.
Alexander Scriabin: Sonata No. 9, “Black Mass,” Op. 68
Our journey takes a darker turn with Scriabin’s Sonata No. 9. This enigmatic work is a testament to Scriabin’s exploration of mystical themes and chromatic harmonies. The sonata is divided into three movements, each marked by a sense of foreboding and spiritual intensity. The opening movement, “Introduction,” sets the stage with its slow, deliberate pace and haunting melody. The second movement, “Liturgy,” is a chaotic and dissonant exploration of the underworld. The final movement, “Mystic Communion,” offers a moment of transcendence, as Scriabin’s music reaches a climax of ecstatic intensity. Fedorova brings a sensitive interpretation of this piece, giving the listener an opportunity to explore their own sense of how to view this mysterious journey.
Manuel de Falla: El amor brujo, Suite for Piano
Our journey into the intermission takes us to the Spanish countryside. Manuel de Falla’s El amor brujo is a ballet inspired by Andalusian folklore, telling the tale of a woman who is haunted by the ghost of her lover. The piano suite, arranged from the ballet, captures the fiery passion and exotic rhythms of Spanish music. The opening movement, “Ritual Fire Dance,” is a whirlwind of energy, with its rhythmic complexity and driving melody. The second movement, “Pantomime,” is a more introspective piece, featuring a haunting melody and atmospheric harmonies. The final movement, “Dance of the Witches,” is a dance of wild rhythms and dissonant harmonies. .
Conclusion
Through the works of Ravel, Scriabin, and Falla, Anna Fedorova is our musical guide into the depths of the human psyche and the power of music to evoke powerful emotions and her mastery of this music will leave us with a sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
More information about Steinway Society concerts is available at www.steinwaysociety.com.