Delighted to welcome back
@michaelshak16 , who performed in our first concert last September!
Michael Shak, the American pianist, grew up in New York and graduated from the Manhattan School of Music, He came to London for further studies with Louis Kentner and, after his British debut at the Wigmore Hall, settled in London.
For the February concert Michael has written:
“I am delighted to be playing 4 hands for the first time with Marc Kawwas
@marckawwaspiano . We’ve chosen 2 Bach transcriptions by György Kurtág, the Hungarian composer, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in a few days.
The 1st piece, Trio Sonata BWV 525, was originally written for organ. As it was composed in 3 voices (organists use both hands and their feet!), Kurtág has faithfully transcribed it for piano 3 hands rather than the usual 4. It is wonderfully expressive of Bach’s capacity for pure joy. The 2nd piece, Sonatina BWV 106, however, is the instrumental opening to a cantata, Actus Tragicus, which was intended to help listeners find peace and accept mortality. Kurtág has said of Bach that his music never stops praying.
So, although brief, I hope that this very gentle and moving piece will feel like a prayer and also remind us of why we are here this evening.”
