CMNZ: Amalia Hall & Stephen de Pledge

8.00 CMNZ: Amalia & Stephen

Stephen De Pledge (piano) and Amalia Hall (violin) managed to go on a national tour between lockdowns. This Chamber Music New Zealand concert at the Concert Chamber of the Auckland Town Hall was recorded just before restrictions were re-introduced.

Programme:

BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No 5 in F Op 24, Spring

The Beethoven Spring Sonata is light-hearted, optimistic, sunny. Music that lifts the spirits when the world is struggling with a pandemic. 

GAO PING: Bitter Cold Night

Gao Ping's piece addresses the global situation with COVID. It’s written in honour of Chinese doctor and whistle-blower Wenliang Li, who was the first to raise concerns about Covid-19. Tragically, he caught the virus himself and died in hospital. Gao Ping wrote this piece as a direct response to the news of Doctor Li's passing.

GERSHWIN arr Heifetz: Three Preludes

George Gershwin originally wrote these fun preludes for piano. They were transcribed for violin and piano by Jascha Heifetz.

MOZART: Violin Sonata in E flat, K302

The Violin Sonata in E Flat was written when Mozart was in his early 20s. He was trying to find a job and was writing music as calling cards to wealthy people so that they might employ him. This two-movement sonata is the real essence of chamber music. It's not really written with an audience in mind, but very much for the enjoyment of the players. 

SAINT-SAËNS: Violin Sonata No 1 in D minor Op 75

Another work in two movements, but in contrast to the Mozart sonata, the Saint-Saëns sonata was written for the audience. It’s very grand and turbulent, and at times peaceful and charming. It’s a beautiful listen.

DE FALLA: Nana - Siete canciones populares españolas

An arrangement of de Falla's song Nana, from his popular Spanish Song cycle.

 

Amalia Hall (violin), Stephen De Pledge (piano)

Recorded in Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber by RNZ Concert

Produced and engineered by Adrian Hollay.