Program Notes
Join us for an enchanting evening of French musical masterpieces in Éclat de Musique. This concert presents a captivating selection of compositions spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing the rich diversity and enduring beauty of French music.
The program begins with Pauline Viardot’s poignant Vieille Chanson, a delicate and expressive piano piece that transports listeners to a bygone era. Claude Debussy’s evocative Romance follows, enchanting audiences with its lush harmonies and lyrical melodies, a quintessential example of impressionistic music.
Next, we delve into the celestial realm with Gabriel Fauré’s timeless compositions. Clair de Lune bathes listeners in the soft glow of moonlight, while Après un rêve takes us on a dreamy journey through the ethereal landscape of the subconscious.
The program takes a thrilling turn with Saint-Saëns’ Dance macabre for two pianos, Op.40, a hauntingly vivid depiction of the supernatural. This electrifying piece brings together the eerie allure of the macabre with the virtuosic brilliance of the piano.
After a brief intermission, we return with César Franck’s sublime Violin Sonata in A major, a monumental work of the chamber music repertoire. This masterful composition unfolds in four movements, each brimming with emotional depth and technical prowess, showcasing Franck’s unparalleled ability to fuse classical forms with Romantic expression.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the enchanting soundscape of French music, where beauty, passion, and innovation converge in Éclat de Musique.
SIYUE ZHUANG
Siyue Zhuang was born in Guangdong, China. She started to learn piano at the age of four, and she started studying with the teachers of Xinghai Conservatory of Music since junior high school. She was admitted to Xinghai Conservatory of Music with excellent grades in university and is now studying for a master’s degree. Siyue Zhuang has been studying the music of different countries and periods, learning the differences and similarities among them. She tries her best to present the music that the author wants to express to everyone in her own way. Siyue Zhuang likes to work with different instruments. She feels that music is not limited to individuals, and cooperation with other people may bring unexpected surprises. Siyue Zhuang is kind and friendly. Apart from her study time, she occasionally gathers with friends, and she is good at cooking. Her good friends have tried her food and praised her cooking skills. She hopes to share her music with everyone who likes music, because music is not only a course, but also a beautiful language, and she will try to express it better.
