Heroic: The Protagonist’s Journey

Details

Sacred Geometry Duo full profile / Cello-piano duo / 2 musicians

Other players: Ryan Phipps, cello, Anastasia Maksiuta, pianist

Full program notes

-Phantasiestucke from Three Pieces for Cello and Piano Op.8 - Paul Hindemith

This “Fantasy Piece,” from Hindemith’s early career highlights his interest in the voice of the cello as a vehicle for exploring the folk characters of European mythology. The sweeping first them subverts common harmonic conventions of the 19th century, embodying the longing of Hindemith’s protagonist, while the second theme’s heart-pounding melody whisks the listener away on horseback.

-Pohádka - Leos Janacek

Translated literally to “A Tale,” this work traces the adventures of the Tsar Berendye who unwittingly promises his son’s soul to the Lord of the Underworld. His son, the Duke Ivan, later discovers a lake in the forest where he sees a flock of grey ducks land, disrobe, and transform into beautiful young women. As they bathe, the duke steals one of their feathered coats, eventually learning its owner is the daughter of the Lord of the Underworld. They fall in love and with her help and knowledge, Ivan is able to overcome his fate.

-Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor - Sergei Rachmaninov

A beloved chamber work of the early 20th century, the Sonata in G minor evokes the most dramatic depths of the voice of the cello. With the monstrously virtuosic piano part coloring the world the cello inhabits, Rachmaninov takes on a journey through the innermost thoughts of the protagonist.