Sofia Gubaidulina Chaconne
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Sonata no.13, K.333
Ludvig van Beethoven Piano Sonata no.14, op.27 no.2 ‘Moonlight’
Interval
Alexander Scriabin Piano Sonata no.2, op.19
Ferenc Liszt Three Petrarch Sonnets
Frédéric Chopin Piano Sonata no.2, op.35

Benjamin Grosvenor programmes some all-time favourites - Beethoven’s lovely ‘Moonlight’ sonata for one - but he also springs surprises. The opening Chaconne is by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, who died recently. The piece was a commission from a prize-winning pianist and, as Gubaidulina explained, she kept the pianist’s specific abilities very much in mind as she worked. The result is wonderfully virtuosic.

Scriabin’s reputation for being difficult came late, his sonata no.2 is readily accessible and filled with delicate imagery. The sea was his inspiration: he has sunlight dancing on waves, gentle moonbeams in the dark of night and sombre agitation from the depths. The piece is fiendishly challenging, a treat to hear it performed live.

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.