1.00pm on Tuesday July 1
Live and Free at Scots’ Church
Host: Andrew Tonkin
Students from the VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF THE ARTS SECONDARY SCHOOL
PROGRAM
Pēteris Vasks Piano Quartet (2001) I. Preludio, moderato
Gabriel Fauré Après un Rêve Op. 7, No. 1 for cello and piano
Frank Bridge Allegro appassionato H.82 for viola and piano
Robert Schumann Piano Quartet in E♭ major, Op. 47 III. Andante cantabile Frédéric Chopin Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39, in C♯ minor
Johann Sebastian Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008 IV. Sarabande
Giuseppe Verdi La Traviata: Act II Scene 1 De’ miei bollenti spiriti
Pēteris Vasks Piano Quartet (2001) VI. Postludio, adagio
Johannes Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 IV. Rondo alla zingarese. Presto - Meno presto - Molto presto
LARKSPUR QUARTET Larkspur Quartet is a piano quartet founded in September 2024, consisting of four exceptional musicians completing their final year at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Larkspur Quartet consists of violinist Ji Hun Hwang, violist Tom Protat, cellist Remy Grunden, and pianist Megan Tang. Driven by passion and with an exciting spirit, Larkspur Quartet explores a variety of works from the 19th century to living composers, including members of Larkspur who are currently composing for the quartet. Under the expert guidance of Josephine Vains, Larkspur is delighted to present this concert; other performances in 2025 will include a live recital for 3MBS radio and participation in various competitions.
PROGRAM NOTES
Pēteris Vasks - Piano Quartet(2001) Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946) is a Latvian composer who originally trained as a violinist and double bassist before studying composition between 1973 and 1978. Vasks draws significant inspiration from nature and spirituality. In a 2023 interview from his home in Latvia, he described music as a “sacred substance” and expressed his hope that his music can be appreciated by anyone—“even someone who doesn’t know anything”—because it is “simple, but also hot, engaging, and honest.”
Gabriel Fauré - Après un Rêve, Op. 7 No. 1 Originally written for voice and piano, Après un rêve (“After a Dream”) is one of Fauré’s most cherished works. Its soaring melody and gentle harmonies express the bittersweet longing that follows an intense, dreamt romance. Often transcribed for instruments like cello or violin, it remains a favourite for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
Frank Bridge - Allegro appassionato H.82 for viola and piano Frank Bridge (1879–1941) was a prominent English composer and violist, known for his transition from Romanticism to early modernism. Allegro Appassionato showcases his deep understanding of the viola and remains a key work in his output.
Frédéric Chopin - Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39, in C♯ minor Written in 1839 during a period of ill health and isolation in Mallorca, Chopin’s third scherzo is the most concise and structurally focused of the four. Though titled “scherzo” (meaning “joke”), the work is anything but lighthearted—marked by dramatic contrasts, bold virtuosity, and a profound emotional depth. It reflects Chopin’s mature style, combining classical form with Romantic expressivity and pianistic brilliance.
Robert Schumann - Piano Quartetin E♭ major, Op. 47 III. Andante cantabile Written in 1842, Schumann’s “Chamber Music Year,” this Piano Quartet is a key work of the Romantic era. The Andante cantabile movement showcases his gift for lyrical warmth and emotional depth, reflecting his lasting impact on 19th-century music.
Johann Sebastian Bach - Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008 IV. Sarabande Part of Bach’s six iconic cello suites, composed around 1720, the Sarabande is a slow, expressive dance movement that reveals Bach’s mastery of melody and harmony within a simple form. These suites remain central to the cello repertoire, exemplifying Baroque elegance and emotional depth.
Giuseppe Verdi - La Traviata: ActII Scene 1 De’ miei bollenti spiriti Three months have passed since the lavish party hosted by Violetta, who has left her life as a courtesan behind to live freely, away from society. In this aria, Alfredo reflects on their joyful life together, singing of Violetta’s youthful passion and gentle smile. Yet, as with many great love stories, trouble soon follows.
Johannes Brahms - Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 - IV. Rondo alla zingarese. Presto - Meno presto - Molto presto The final movement of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 is a high-octane Rondo alla Zingarese, inspired by the vibrant rhythms and flair of Hungarian and Romani folk music. Bursting with energy, the movement features rapid tempo shifts, fiery syncopations, and dazzling virtuosity from all players. Its infectious spirit and dramatic contrasts make it one of Brahms’ most thrilling and crowd-pleasing finales.
