Lyrical Masterpieces @ the Playhouse

In this special collaboration, pianist Brieley Cutting and acclaimed violinist Doretta Balkizas present a recital centring on major classics from the French and German repertory. All masterworks on the program are linked by their glowing, radiant sounds and uplifting moods.

The first part of the recital comes from France: Debussy’s shimmering Violin and Piano Sonata, followed by Lili Boulanger’s delicately heart-warming Two Pieces and then Messiaen’s Theme and Variations, which is built on a tender and lyrical idea consisting of a floating melody.

The second half of the program commences with an atmospheric Nocturne from Australian composer Margaret Sutherland, offering a moment of poignant introspection. The recital then moves to Germany for Brahms’ Sonata No.1 in G major Op.78 for Violin and Piano. A Romantic masterpiece of exquisite beauty and lyricism, the three movements of this work are interrelated, and Brahms expertly allows the violin and piano parts to echo one another and intertwine whilst demanding virtuosity from both players. The final movement is known to transport its listeners, as it did for Clara Schumann who wrote to the composer, “…I wish that the last movement could accompany me in my journey from here to the next world.”