Internationally acclaimed Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson brings to York a colourful and festive programme of piano music on a Viennese theme. His recital is a picture of the vibrant city; a hub of musical creativity without parallel and the capital of the waltz.
He plays two sets of waltzes by contrasting composers and eras. Schubert’s Valses Nobles begin the programme by conjuring the grandeur and pomp of Vienna’s ballrooms, while painting portraits full of wit and eccentricity.
By contrast, Ravel transports the dance-form to a more intimate world, full of his signature seductive harmonies and an almost dream-like beauty. The programme ends with Schumann’s Faschingsschwank aus Wien ('Carnival-time in Vienna') – a joyful and affectionate homage to the city, its traditions and festivities and one of Schumann’s most colourful and miraculously inventive pieces.
