At the beginning of the New Year, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, together with pianist Kaspars Uinskis, under the direction of conductor Atvars Lakstīgala, will perform in Latvia and Lithuania, giving listeners the opportunity to enjoy such classical masterpieces as the music of Frédéric Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven.
On January 29 at 19:00, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra will make its debut at the Vilnius National Philharmonic Hall, presenting Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No 6 or Pastoral Symphony and Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 1.
On February 1 at 18:00, the audience at the Great Amber Concert Hall will be given a rare opportunity to hear both piano concertos by the poetic piano genius Frédéric Chopin in one evening.
At the piano this evening we will see the internationally recognized Lithuanian pianist Kasparas Uinskas, who is praised by critics for his virtuosity and romantic manner of playing the piano. His repertoire covers a wide range of composers, from Johann Sebastian Bach to the 20th century music, however his programmes mostly include composers of the Romantic era.
The two concertos for piano and orchestra by Frédéric Chopin are among the most beautiful pieces of the Romantic era in their genre.
Chopin's Piano Concerto No.1 is one of his greatest works, reflecting composer's admiration for the bel canto singing style in Italian opera, emphasizing lyrical melodies and expressive phrasing. This concert stands out for its dramatic and emotional depth, beginning with the majestic Allegro maestoso, followed by the lyrical Romanze – Larghetto and ending with the sparkling Rondo – Vivace.
Although referred to as the first one, this concerto was composed after his Piano Concerto No.2. It was finished in 1830 and premiered on 11 October 1830 in Warsaw.
The Piano concerto No.2 was written in 1829 and premiered on 17 March 1830 in Warsaw. It stands out for its refined and emotional character, combining virtuosity with deep expressiveness.
The indescribably beautiful second movement Larghetto was inspired by Chopin's unexpressed love for the young Polish soprano Konstancja Gładkowska.
Both Piano concertos demonstrate Chopin's outstanding ability to combine virtuosity with deep emotional expression, making them unique masterpieces in the piano repertoire.
The concert programme in Vilnius will feature not only Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 1, but also Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, bearing the subtitle “Pastoral Symphony or Memory of Life in the Countryside” given to it by the composer himself. It is the composer's tribute to the beauty and peace of nature. Inspired by his own long walks in the great outdoors, Beethoven depicts various sounds of nature and landscapes in the symphony, creating an emotional and picturesque musical story.
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