THE 4 MAZURKAS OP.24 (1835) distill Polish dance rhythms into four brief but strikingly
different miniatures. They move from the introspective Gminor opening to the light Cmajor, the
lyrical Aflat, and finally the dark, unresolved Bflat minor, showing how Chopin turned the mazurka
into a deeply personal poetic form.
WALTZ IN AFLAT MAJOR, OP. 42 (1840) is a brilliant, highspirited showpiece that plays with the
idea of a “waltz within a waltz.”
NOCTURNE IN E MAJOR, OP. 62 NO. 2 (1845-6) is a reflective, lyrical piece marked by gentle
opening themes that later erupt into a tense, agitated middle section before returning to calm. It
is one of his final works in the genre.

THE ÉTUDES-TABLEAUX OP. 33 (1911) are “study pictures,” reflect Rachmaninoff’s intention for each piece to be a musical painting or narrative, evoking images and emotions. Op. 33 originally consisted of eight pieces, though only six were published during his lifetime.

TALES OF AN OLD GRANDMOTHER OP. 31 (1918) The work consists of four short pieces, each capturing the spirit of Russian folk storytelling, with melodies that evoke the gentle reminiscences and playful anecdotes of an elderly grandmother.

TANGO (1940) is Stravinsky’s only tango, composed after he moved to the United States. It reflects his fascination with popular dance forms.

PIANO RAG MUSIC (1919) While living in France Stravinsky became inspired by Rag time music and created his own, unique version. The piece was dedicated to Rubenstein to encourage him “to play contemporary music”.

Programme subject to change by artist