Fanny Azzuro

This programme brings together two complementary musical worlds: the intimacy of the string quartet and the lyrical élan of the piano.

The first part opens with one of Frédéric Chopin's most profound works: either Sonata No. 2, with its dramatic sweep and famous Funeral March, or the Preludes, a cycle of poetic sketches that cover the entire range of human emotions.

This is followed by a great quartet from the classical repertoire: Beethoven's Quartet No. 10 (known as The Harps, composed in 1809), marked by its vigour and humour, or Mendelssohn's Quartet Op. 13, imbued with lyricism and romantic élan. In both works, the richness of the dialogue between the string instruments highlights the expressive power of the writing.

After the interval, Chopin takes centre stage once again with his Piano Concerto No. 2, presented here in a reduction for piano and string quartet. This early masterpiece, both virtuosic and deeply poetic, offers an intimate and transparent vision of the work, in which the voice of the piano unfolds alongside the strings in a rare chamber music-like complicity.

CHOPIN
Sonata No. 2   22'
or
Preludes   35'

BEETHOVEN
Quartet No. 10   30’
or
MENDELSSOHN
Quartet Op. 13   30’

Intermission

CHOPIN
Concerto No. 2 for piano and string quartet reduction   35’