CHANSON RUSSE "RUSSIAN MAIDEN'S SONG"
This short piece was composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1922 originally
as an Aria for soprano voice and orchestra in his one act opera
buffa, Mavra. Chanson Russe is the scene-setting opening aria sung
by the central character Parasha as she embroiders in her home
living room. The music is extremely fluid and is deceptively free. As
the piano clunks along with a very grounded "Boom-Chick" figure
that is unwavering, the violin sweeps and flows above. Yet, as the
music flows, the meters in the music are changing almost every
measure presenting the performers with quite the little mental
tongue-twister that is almost inaudible to the listener.
SONATA IN G MINOR FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO
As Debussy was too ill from cancer to participate as a combatant in
WWI, life seemed especially bleak to him. Yet following surgery in
1915, he felt physically and spiritually rejuvenated — eager to meet
the challenge of renewed composition. With more optimism than
realism, he set out to produce six varied chamber works. Sadly,
lasting health failed to materialize. Through sheer determination he
was able to complete two superb chamber works in 1915 — a
sonata for cello and piano and another for flute, viola and harp.
Weakened by the effort, he needed a year to recover his failing
strength. In October 1916 he felt sound enough to resume
composition and began working on his Sonata in G minor for Violin
and Piano. By February 1917 he had completed the first two
movements but had difficulty pinning down the finale, which he
completed just in time for the premiere — the very day, actually.
The ensuing Intermede opens with effervescent and virtuosic
phrases from the violin. Debussy's unrivalled ear for color is
apparent in the curiously wonderful sounds emanating from the
stringed instrument. Pizzicatos dance above spiky asides from the
piano. Material from the opening movement kicks off
the Finale before a new animated motive launches the music
forward. The rapidly fluttering violin line has been likened to the
purposive flutter of the butterfly.
STETSON UNIVERSITY
School of Music
STETSON
UNIVERSITY
School of Music
421 N. Woodland Blvd. Unit 8399 | DeLand, FL 32723
stetson.edu/music | concert line 386.822.8947
SENIOR RECITAL
Jeremiah Riddle, violin
Studio of Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez
In collaboration with Edit Palmer, piano
Sunday,April 13,2014 | 1:00 p.m.
Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall
