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Event
Pianist Robert Schwartz in Concert
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Robert Schwartz presents a two-part program marked by duality and symmetry. The first part features two iconic German composers, Johann Sebastian Bach and Robert Schumann, stylistically distinct yet sharing a poetic urgency and improvisatory sense of storytelling. The four-part Bach Toccata is followed by Schumann's epic three-movement Fantasy in C Major. Schwartz devotes the second part to two Russian composers, Stravinsky and Rachmaninov whose works are more sharply contrasting. Stravinsky's neoclassic three-movement sonata is spiky, dissonant and satirical, evoking the music of Mozart and Bach while simultaneously parodying their styles. The program concludes with four deeply lush and romantic works of Rachmaninov, the first three melancholic followed by the heroic and joyful return of Bach in Rachmaninov's arrangement of the baroque composers Violin Partita in E Major.
BIOGRAPHY
Pianist Robert Schwartz has earned an international reputation as an artist whose powerful performances are marked by poetry, insight and mastery of his instrument. Known for putting together challenging programs of great dramatic range, he plays actively around the globe and is a sought-after performer in the Bay Area. Although his concerts often feature monumental works such as the Liszt sonata and Iberia by Albéniz, his tastes also gravitate to more intimate and lyrical works of Chopin, Ravel and Debussy. His performance of Ondine won him the Ravel Prize in the Marguerite Long competition in Paris, where he studied for two years. His CD of French works by Debussy, Franck and Poulenc has garnered accolades. Schwartz also has displayed an affinity for early 20th century music, particularly the works of Béla Bartók. In 1988 he played several of Bartók's works in the memorial service marking the transfer of the composer's remains from New York to Hungary. Mr. Schwartz's concerts and master classes have taken him to cities around the United States including New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Portland, Memphis and Dallas. He has concertized and taught students in Argentina, China, France, Switzerland and Austria where he has been featured as a master teacher in piano festivals and has made his mark on a generation of young musicians. Standout performances in the Bay Area include Mozart's Concerto in D minor with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with the Redding Symphony, and solo recitals at San Francisco Performances, the Steinway Society in San Jose, and Old First Concerts in San Francisco. Schwartz regularly takes part in Gala Liszt and Chopin concerts at Old First Concerts, and he performed in the Debussy Centennial Concerts. Schwartz is an active piano teacher in San Francisco and considers teaching an essential part of his musical life. He has an extensive private teaching studio and served many years on the piano faculty at Mills College in Oakland. He is currently on the piano faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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LocationGrizzly Peak Winery Event Center (View)
1600 Nevada St.
Ashland, OR 97520
United States
Categories
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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