George Todica, Romanian pianist, will open the first concert of Nadsaconcert’s 77th Series with a short composition of exquisite beauty: Scarlatti’s gentle and soulful piano sonata in A major. Scarlatti composed this expressively lyrical piece when he was about 70 years old, and it seems to hold within it the peace and acceptance of a meditation.
Nuanced
If previous performances are anything to go by, not only will George communicate the nuances of his choices, but he will provide fascinating insight to each piece. He completed his Artist Diploma Degree at the Royal College of Music in 2019, previously making his Wigmore Hall debut in 2018.
Treasure
The Scarlatti composition is treasure enough for one concert, but, as part of his eclectic mix, George has also chosen to play works by Mozart, Rachmaninov and fellow Romanian, George Enescu as well as shorter pieces by Chopin and Ravel. It’ll be a real opportunity to hear such an unusual programme.
Enescu composed his Suite No 2 for piano between 1901 and 1903 in Paris. This prize-winning composition was dedicated to French pianist and composer, Louis Diémer, and certainly has French influences, particularly Debussy. Enescu was a child prodigy. Born in a village in Romania, he entered the Vienna Conservatory at the age of seven! Despite this composition’s brilliance, its first performance in the UK wasn’t till 2005! It is very fortunate that George Todica has chosen to play it in Newton Abbot.
Delight
Mozart, Chopin, Ravel and Rachmaninov complete the line-up. The Ravel, Pavane pour une infante défunte, is a well-loved classic, and rightly so. The Rachmaninov, a wonderful set of variations on a theme of Corelli, is also a favourite. George has chosen less well-known compositions by Mozart and Chopin. All three will be a delight to discover. He’ll complete his recital with stunning flair: Chopin’s Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante (smooth flow followed by showy sparkle).
Grand piano
Nadsa’s Yamaha C6X grand piano is celebrating 10 years with the society this season. It will be most fitting to begin with a piano recital, particularly as the concert is sponsored by the John Turpin Bequest. John, past influential chairman of the society AND a musical phenomenon in Newton Abbot for the decades that he lived in the area, loved to hear piano repertoire. He would be pleased indeed that the society he gave so much of his time to is still enjoying its own grand piano.
The concert, on September 15 at 7:30pm, takes place at the Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot. All tickets must be booked in advance. Please book through the website: www.nadsa.co.uk
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