Godowsky: Zamansız Ezgiler

Sara DRAGAN – Violin Kenny BROBERG – Piano Program: H. Wieniawski: Caprice Op. 18 No. 2 H.W. Ernst: "Der Erlkönig" based on Franz Schubert's Grand Caprice H. Wieniawski: "Fantaisie Brillante" Op. 20 based on Gounod's opera "Faust" S. Prokofiev: Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor L. Godowsky: Nocturnal Tangier (arr. F. Kreisler) L. Godowsky: Ein Dämmerungsbild (arr. K. Broberg) L. Godowsky: Waltz Poem No. 2 L. Godowsky: Alt Wien (arr. J. Heifetz) P. de Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen Violinist Sara Dragan, a prizewinner in over 60 international violin competitions, and renowned American pianist Kenny Broberg, have come together for the first time for this album and concert series. The pianists pay homage to Leopold Godowsky, known for his nearly impossible keyboard achievements, but few listeners are aware of the exquisite, exploratory music he composed for violin and piano. This album, celebrating the 155th anniversary of his birth, unveils a hidden treasure trove of music, showcasing silky melodies and daring harmonies that perfectly echo the genius of Frédéric Chopin, a lifelong inspiration. This program brings together works that highlight the diverse expressive capabilities of the violin. It offers a seamless transition from dazzling solo pieces to intimate and moving chamber music, from virtuosic showpieces to serious chamber works of profound depth. A central theme of this program is transcription, which in the 19th century became both a means of popularizing deserving works and a way for performers to push the boundaries of their virtuosity. No challenge is greater than the works of Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, a devoted follower of Niccolo Paganini, who created pieces that somehow rivaled the difficulty of his idol's compositions. The solo violin transcription of Franz Schubert's "Der Erlkönig" (based on Goethe's powerful poem) is perhaps the most demanding piece in the entire repertoire – a stunning display of mastery that reimagines multiple instruments, melodic voices, and dramatic tension within a single instrument. Its impact is so profound that it is hard to believe that it is being played by only one violin. The program continues with Henryk Wieniawski's Faust Fantasia, drawing from Goethe's world; a classic Romantic compilation of themes from Gounod's opera, blending operatic lyricism with dazzling technical displays. At the heart of the program are works by two 20th-century composers, vastly different from each other. Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor is one of the most significant and intensely dramatic works in the chamber music repertoire. Written during the turbulent years of World War II, the piece reflects the horrors and harsh atmosphere of the time. Alongside moments of intense drama, it contains memorable, ghostly passages that Prokofiev himself referred to as the "wind in the cemetery." The heartbreakingly lyrical slow movement was chosen to be played at Prokofiev's own funeral. The works of Leopold Godowsky, composed around the same period as Prokofiev, offer a completely different sonic world. These pieces are more intimate, chamber music works, and often draw upon dance forms, evocative imagery, and the exoticism that was so popular throughout the previous century. "Night Bloom" evokes the scents and atmosphere of the Moroccan night, while "Waltz Poem No. 2" and "Alt Wien" offer a nostalgic glimpse into the Viennese style. "A Twilight Picture" is more reflective, emphasizing color, mood, and melody rather than virtuosity. All of these pieces are either original compositions for solo piano by the composer, transcriptions of works for other instruments by his contemporaries, the legendary violinists, or transcriptions specifically for this concert's pianist. Following all the passionate drama and profound introspection that characterize this program, we will conclude with a delightful performance of Pablo de Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen," one of the most famous violin showpieces. Inspired by Hungarian and Romani musical styles, the piece combines lyrical passages with brilliant and high-energy compositions, providing a virtuoso conclusion to the recital.