complete chopin cycle 2015-16 | st john's smith square | warren mailley-smith

11 Concert Series

Warren Mailley-Smith

2015/16

Complete Chopin Cycle

“ Rapidly establishing himself as one of the best pianists of his generation Warren Mailley-Smith is that rare exceptional talent…” St Martin-in-the-Fields

Welcome

In association with the Mayor’s Music Fund

Chopin’s life and music was a phenomenon. Unlike most composers, his music has never been out of fashion and this series is a rare opportunity to explore the reason for his enduring popularity.

Without exception, every bar of his music sings and expresses something, including a sensuality that runs far deeper than anything he expressed in words.

I am thrilled to be performing these concerts on the wonderful piano at St John’s, which lends itself so beautifully to Chopin’s music.

I hope you can join me on this exciting journey.

Warren Mailley-Smith

Fri 4 September 2015 19.30

The PolonaiseWith series introduction by Jeremy Nicholas at 19.30 ___Rondo in C minor Op. 1 Polonaise Op. 40 No. 1 in APolonaise Op. 40 No. 2 in C minorMazurkas Nos. 1–4 Op. 6 Nos. 1–4Mazurka No. 5 in B flat Op. 7 No. 1Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat Op. 61Waltz Op. 64 No. 1 in D flat ‘Minute’Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 in C sharp minorWaltz Op. 64 No. 3 in A flatNocturne Op. 9 No. 1 in B flat minorNocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E flatAndante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22

The first of an impressive eleven-concert series of Chopin’s complete solo works for piano, this programme features the sparkling youthful virtuosity of the Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, alongside the mature sophistication of one of the composer’s last great masterpieces, the Polonaise-Fantaisie. The epic journey commences with the composer’s Op. 1, taking up a chronological thread of Mazurkas along with some of his most well-loved miniatures.

Concerts

Box office sjss.org.uk 020 7222 1061

Fri 27 November 2015 19.30

Études Op. 25___Sonata No. 1 in C minor Op. 4Mazurka No. 11 in E minor Op. 17 No. 2Mazurka No. 12 in A flat Op. 17 No. 3Mazurka No. 13 in A minor Op. 17 No. 4Mazurka No. 14 in G minor Op. 24 No. 1Mazurka No. 15 in C Op. 24 No. 2Waltz No. 14 in E minor Op. posth.Polonaise Op. 71 No. 2 in B flatTwelve Études Op. 25

The last concert in the series before Christmas includes the second set of Chopin’s seminal piano Études which catapulted his reputation both as an artistic genius and leading exponent of virtuoso piano technique. The rarely played, youthful Sonata No. 1 is a highly experimental work which exhibits many of the characteristics of Chopin’s mature style: poetry, virtuosity, passion and breathtaking originality.

There will be a pre-concert event at 18.30

Fri 23 October 2015 19.30

Études Op. 10___Fantasy in F minor Op. 49Waltz in A flat Op. 69 No. 1 ‘L’Adieu’Nocturne Op. 15 No. 1 in FWaltz in F Op. 34 No. 3Nocturne Op. 15 No. 3 in G minorMazurka No. 6 in A minor Op. 7 No. 2Mazurka No. 7 in F minor Op. 7 No. 3Mazurka No. 8 in A flat Op. 7 No. 4Mazurka No. 9 in C Op. 7 No. 5Mazurka No. 10 in B flat Op. 17 No. 1Rondo à la Mazur in F Op. 5Three Ecossaises Op. posth.Galop MarquisTwelve Études Op. 10

Tonight’s programme contrasts the early, brilliant Rondo à la Mazur and majestic Fantasy in F minor, culminating in one of the most important and challenging collections of music for solo piano, the ground-breaking 12 Études Op. 10.


“Tall and talented, Warren Mailley-Smith is the embodiment of a modern Romantic

concert pianist… Musical Opinion

”

Fri 15 January 2016 19.30

The Twenty-four Préludes Op. 28___Introduction and Rondo in E flat Op. 16Nocturne No. 21 in C minor Op. posth. Waltz in F minor Op. 70 No. 2Waltz in A minorPolonaise in G sharp minor Op. posth.Mazurka No. 16 in A flat Op. 24 No. 3Mazurka No. 17 in B flat minor Op. 24 No. 4Mazurka No. 18 in C minor Op. 30 No. 1Mazurka No. 19 in B minor Op. 30 No. 2Mazurka No. 20 in D flat Op. 30 No. 3Nocturne No. 19 in E minor Op. 72 No. 1Twenty-four Préludes Op. 28

Chopin’s 24 Préludes represent one of the most important collections of pieces by any composer in the romantic period. A kaleidoscope of colour, textures, emotions and virtuosity, the music transports both pianist and listener on a unique journey. The first half of the concert proceeds with a beautiful selection of miniatures and the sparkling, but much neglected Introduction and Rondo in E flat.


Fri 19 February 2016 19.30

Sonata No. 2 Op. 35___Waltz No. 10 in B minor Op. 69 No. 2Nocturne No. 9 in B Op. 32 No. 1Waltz No. 3 in A minor Op. 34 No. 2Waltz No. 15 in E Op. posth.Nocturne No. 1 in C sharp minor Op. 27Mazurka No. 21 in C sharp minor Op. 30 No. 4Mazurka No. 22 in G sharp minor Op. 33 No. 1Mazurka No. 23 in D Op. 33 No. 2Mazurka No. 24 in C Op. 33 No. 3Mazurka No. 25 in B minor Op. 33 No. 4Waltz No. 11 in G flat Op. 70 No. 1Prélude in A flat Op. posth.Nocturne No. 10 in A flat Op. 32 No. 2Waltz No. 16 in A flat Op. posth.Nocturne No. 2 in D flat Op. 27Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor Op.35

The fifth programme makes a feature of the stark contrast between the tranquillity and beauty of the Nocturne form with the drama and intensity of Chopin’s impassioned Sonata No. 2. This programme continues the chronological thread of his mazurkas and includes a variety of other notable works.


“With astounding dexterity, this sensational pianist wowed the audience with music that

pulled at the heart strings.Cambridge Times

”

Fri 4 March 2016 19.30

The Four Impromptus___Prélude Op. 45Fugue in A minorFantaisie-Impromptu in C sharp minor Op. 66Variation in EMazurkas Nos. 26–29 Op. 41 Nos. 1–4Mazurka No. 30 in G Op. 50 No. 1Nocturne No. 15 in F minor Op. 55 No. 1Impromptu No. 1 in A flat Op. 29Waltz No. 2 in A flat Op. 34 No. 1Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor Op. posth.Impromptu No. 2 in F sharp Op. 36Polonaise No. 10 in F minor Op. 71 No. 3Nocturne No. 16 in E flat Op. 55 No. 2Impromptu No. 3 in G flat Op. 51Waltz in A flat Op. 42Tarantelle in A flat Op. 43

A novel pairing of a separately conceived Prélude and Fugue begins a varied programme which also continues the chronological thread of Mazurkas and concludes with the uplifting, unrelenting Tarantelle. The central focus of this programme is on the four Impromptus, ( including the celebrated Fantaisie-Impromptu), all of which contain a range beautifully juxtaposed themes and moods.

There will be a pre-concertevent at 18.30

Fri 8 April 2016 19.30

The Four Ballades___Bolero in C Op. 19Mazurka No. 31 in A flat Op. 50 No. 2Mazurka No. 32 in C sharp minor Op. 50 No. 3Mazurka No. 33 in B Op. 56 No. 1Mazurka No. 34 in C Op. 56 No. 2Mazurka No. 35 in C minor Op. 56 No. 3Rondeau in C Op. 73Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op. 23Ballade No. 2 in F Op. 38Largo in E flat Op. posth.Ballade No.3 in A flat Op. 47Ballade No.4 in F minor Op. 52

Any one of Chopin’s four Ballades stand alone as conceptions of pianistic perfection, each one suggesting a compelling narrative and eliciting a sweep of emotions. In tonight’s programme, we hear all four of these towering edifices, alongside some lesser-known works, including the Spanish-influenced Bolero and a selection of miniatures.

There will be a pre-concertevent at 18.30


Fri 29 April 2016 19.30

The Heroic Polonaise Op. 53___Polonaise No. 8 in D minor Op. 71 No. 1Mazurka No. 36 in A minor Op. 59 No. 1Mazurka No. 37 in A flat Op. 59 No. 2Mazurka No. 38 in F sharp minor Op. 59 No. 3Mazurka No. 39 in B Op. 63 No. 1Mazurka No. 40 in F minor Op. 63 No. 2Nocturne No. 18 in E Op. 62 No. 2Allegro de Concert in A Op. 46Souvenir de PaganiniNocturne No. 17 in B Op. 62 No. 1Nocturne No. 3 in B Op. 9 No. 3Polonaise in G flat Op. posth.Waltz No. 17 in E flat Op. posth.Polonaise No. 6 in A flat Op. 53 ‘Heroic’

The focus of this evening’s programme is on the Polonaise, concluding with one of Chopin’s most celebrated works, the ‘Heroic’ Polonaise, in which he takes the dance form to new heights of bravura. This is also a chance to hear the rarely performed Allegro de Concert in A, a work requiring enormous technical prowess, and one which is understood to have been conceived as the first movement of a third Piano Concerto.


Fri 27 May 2016 19.30

The Four Scherzi___Waltz No. 1 in E flat Op. 18Marche Funèbre in C minor Op. 72 No. 2Scherzo No. 1 in B flat minorNocturne No. 13 in C minor Op. 48 No. 1Waltz No. 13 in D flat Op. 70 No. 3Polonaise in B flat Op. posth.Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor Op. 31Scherzo No. 3 in C sharp minor Op. 39Mazurka No. 41 in C sharp minor Op. 63 No. 3Mazurka No. 42 in A minorMazurka No. 43 in A minor Mazurka No. 44 in G Op. 67 No. 1Mazurka No. 45 in G minor Op. 67 No. 2Waltz No. 18 in E flat Op. posth.Feuille d’album in E Op. posth.Scherzo No. 4 in E Op. 54

A selection of charming Waltzes, Mazurkas and Polonaises serve to compliment four of Chopin’s greatest virtuosic powerhouses – the four Scherzi. Written over the course of a decade, Chopin produced four works of great pathos and brilliance, each complete with his unparalleled lyricism and harmonic daring.


“ This is not only Romantic piano playing, this is a romance between the performer

and the music. It’s quite hypnotic… John Puccio, Classical Candour

”

Fri 15 July 2016 19.30

Sonata No. 3 Op. 58___Introduction & Variations on a German Air ‘Der Schweizerbub’ in EMazurka No. 51 in F minor Op. 68 No. 4 (revised version)Mazurka No. 52 in B flatMazurka No. 53 in GMazurka in B flatMazurka in D B.71Mazurka in DCantabile in B flatNocturne No. 11 in G minor Op. 37 No. 1Nocturne No. 12 in G Op. 37 No. 2Polonaise in G minor Op. posth.Polonaise in B flat minor Op. posth.Polonaise in A flat Op. posth.Mazurka No. 57 in CMazurka No. 58 in A flatSonata No.3 in B minor Op. 58

It is fitting that the series should finish with Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 3. Not only was it one of his last published masterpieces, but it contains some of his most inspired and powerful piano writing, suggesting that his ideas and inventiveness were potentially limitless, if only he had had more time! A selection of early works and the remaining Mazurkas round off a unique presentation of Chopin’s complete piano music.


Fri 17 June 2016 19.30

The Barcarolle Op. 60___Polonaise Op. 44 No. 5 in F sharp MinorNocturne Op. 15 No. 2 in F sharpMazurka in C Op. 67 No. 3Mazurka No. 47 in A minor Op. 67 No. 4Mazurka No. 48 in C Op. 68 No. 1Mazurka No. 49 in A minor Op. 68 No. 2Mazurka No. 50 in F Op. 68 No. 3Trois Nouvelles Études from ‘Méthode des méthodes’Variations Brillantes on Je vends des Scapulaires Op. 12Berceuse in D flat Op. 57Polonaise No. 1 in C sharp minor Op. 26 No. 1Polonaise No. 2 in E flat minor Op. 26 No. 2Bourrées B. 160b: Nos. 1 and 2Nocturne No. 14 in F sharp minor Op. 48 No. 2Barcarolle in F sharp Op. 60

Chopin’s lilting Barcarolle has served as an inspiration for many subsequent composers, standing out as one of his greatest mature masterpieces and provides the perfect conclusion to a varied programme of miniatures – including the well-loved Berceuse and the Trois Nouvelles Études.



Booking ticketsTickets £20, £15___Booking from 1 June 2015 through St John’s Box Office www.sjss.org.uk020 7222 1061

Booking fees apply £2 by phone; £1.50 online

St John’s Smith Square Charitable Trust Registered Office: St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA

Registered in England Company No. 3028678 Registered Charity No. 1045390

Special OfferBook 5 concerts at the same time for £65 or the whole series for £110

For full details of upcoming performances visit:

warrenmailley-smith.com

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nes“ Warren Mailley-Smith’s performance of all

Chopin’s solo piano works over an 11-month series will undoubtedly be a highlight of our 2015–16 season. An accomplished pianist and exciting performer, Warren makes a welcome return to St John’s, providing a great opportunity for lovers of Chopin to experience the composer’s entire solo repertoire. We are delighted that Warren wants to make these works accessible to newer and younger audiences with introductions to the music and pre-concert activities. This is a series not to be missed.” Richard Heason, Director at St John’s Smith Square

“ It is with the utmost pleasure that I would like to recommend to all lovers of Chopin’s music the eleven forthcoming Chopin recitals to be given by the highly gifted Chopin pianist Warren Mailley-Smith. The listener will not only be able to hear all of Chopin’s famous piano works but will also have the opportunity to hear the unjustly neglected, rarely heard masterpieces which Chopin wrote in his youth. Altogether, a very special event. Peter Feuchtwanger

complete chopin cycle 2015-16 | st john's smith square | warren mailley-smith

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