SPECIAL UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC PRESENTS

THANKS
2018 MASTER OF MUSIC (PERFORMANCE TEACHING)
RECITAL SERIES

To my absolutely amazing teacher Glenn Riddle for

his guidance and support.
My parents, family and friends for their
companionship and encouragement.
SOPHIA FANG YING LAI, piano

MELBA HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
5th of June 11:45AM
Allegro moderato, First movement from Piano Sonata No. 6
in A major, Op. 82
Prokofiev
Arguably the most well-known of the Prokofiev piano sonatas are
the three written during WWII and collectively known as the
"War" sonatas. Sonata 6 was written in 1939/40 and premiered by
Prokofiev in April 1940 and by Sviatoslav Richter in November
1940. The first movement is characterized by a distinctive,
mechanical rhythmic motif presented in different syncopations.
With the underlying tension created by the tonal instability and
sharp dissonances, Prokofiev successfully breaks away from
Romanticism while introducing listeners to the thrilling pulse of
twentieth century music.
Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-flat
major
Frédéric Chopin
Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante in E-flat
major, Op. 22, was composed by Frédéric Chopin between 1830
and 1834. Originally set for piano and orchestra Grande polonaise
brillante in E-flat, was written first. In 1834, Chopin wrote
an Andante spianato in G major, for piano solo, which he added to
the start of the piece, and joined the two parts with a fanfare-like
sequence. Andante spianato is a beautiful nocturne-lullaby which
provides an excellent introduction to the Polonaise which starts
with a heroic motif intoned by the horns. The Grande Polonaise is
an exceptional display of bravado, brilliance and brightness, and
the heroic moments of its theme intertwine with melodious
figurations. As in all music composed in the brilliant style, here
too, the orchestra's role is secondary, providing a background for
the virtuosic piano part.
Please turn off your mobile phone for whole of the performance
PROGRAMME
Sergei
I. Prelude and Fugue in F-sharp major, BWV 882
Johann Sebastian Bach
II. Allegro moderato, First movement from Piano Sonata No.
6 in A major, Op. 82
Sergei Prokofiev
III. Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-flat
major
Frédéric Chopin
Prelude and Fugue in F-sharp major, BWV 882 J.S. Bach
Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier of Prelude and Fugues is generally
regarded as being among the most important works in the history
of Western classical music. It would seem the more unusual keys
inspired Bach to write his most engaging works and this Prelude and
Fugue in F sharp Major is no exception. The beautiful, flowing
prelude resembles a French overture, but without an embedded fugue;
the dotted rhythm of the opening upper-voice melody dominates the
movement. This contrasts with the dance-like fugue which is
essentially a fugal gavotte, with the three voices entering in alto,
soprano, and finally bass. A substantial countersubject accompanies
the second and third entries.
Please turn off your mobile phone for whole of the performance