the performers:

Ingrid Fliter (piano)

the programme:

Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 3 + Polonaise in F sharp minor + Piano Sonata No. 3

about the music:

This programme includes some Chopin pieces that you’ve almost certainly heard before alongside some lesser known treasures.

The concert starts with a piece that’s often missed. It’s No. 3 in a set of three, and the other two are amongst the most famous pieces Chopin ever wrote. You’d probably recognise the second one:

No. 3 is just as good, though. In fact, we think it’s really special and unusual - I love it’s haunting intimacy and lilting, off-kilter melody. Listen for the way the tune winds downward at the beginning, and the delicate flourishes added to the tune the second time it comes round. It’s nostalgic, wistful, hopeful and knowing all at once.

The next piece, Chopin’s Polonaise in F sharp minor is altogether different. Where the clip below starts, we’re in a similar world of soft, lyrical music, but skip to around 9:30 and it’s a different world. This is grand, tormented music, driven by rhythm. Seeing someone play this kind of virtuosic music live is amazing.

The concert will end with Chopin’s fiendish last piano sonata. It’s a giant four movement piece of symphonic proportions.

The opening bars are dominated by bold, weighty chords that outline the main themes of the piece, but listen out for the beautiful major theme that takes over around the 1.30 mark.

Then try the second movement, at 9.35. Each speedy flourish of the pianists right hand is like a new colourful glimmer of light.

There’s endless contrast in this piece; any mood, however intense, never hangs around for long. That’s part of the charm of this intense, Romantic music: it gives the impression of being impulsive, as if improvised. It can really take you away when done well live.

about the performer:

Ingrid Fliter is an award-winning Argentinian concert pianist. Her two all-Chopin albums on EMI have received widespread acclaim, so seeing her play Chopin live will be really special.

the price:

£20 + £5 membership fee