Piano Talk: Paul Hersh and Christopher Basso

Presented by Piano Talk

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Beethoven the Miniaturist: A performance and discussion of two late works
While we may think of Beethoven as the composer who doubled the length of the Classical symphony, this program focuses on his mastery of the miniature. From the crystalline opening movement of the Op. 109 sonata through the six variations of its final movement, none of the individual parts runs more than four minutes — and yet they work together to create an experience that rivals any in late Beethoven. Similarly, one finds multitudes within the six contrasting character pieces that comprise the Bagatelles, Op. 126, a collection that Beethoven intended to be experienced as a set. There is humor, rhapsody and reverie in these miniatures, but it is the circumspect cantabile melodies that ground the work and create its contemplative aspect. Paul Hersh brings a lifetime of experience to his commentary on these late masterpieces, which are performed by Christopher Basso.

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City: San Francisco
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Free
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Program Items

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109
Beethoven Six Bagatelles, Op. 126

Performers

Paul Hersh Speaker
Christopher Basso Pianist

San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sol Joseph Recital Hall

San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sol Joseph Recital Hall

50 Oak Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States