Miguel Velarde
Patricia Grimm, piano
Danielle Velarde, violin
Friday, January 24, 2025
7:30 pm
Recital Hall
24, 2025, 7:30 PM
Czardas (1904) Vittorio Monti (1868–1922)
Reverie (1879)
Patricia Grimm, piano
Etude No. 1 “Little Foot” (2020)
Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (1954/2024)
Dahil Sa Iyo (1938/2023)
Patricia Grimm, piano
Giovanni Bottesini (1821–1889)
Xavier Foley (b. 1994)
Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978)
Arr. Miguel Velarde
Miguel “Mike” Velarde Jr. (1913–1986)
Arr. Miguel Velarde
Danielle Velarde, violin
Miguel Velarde, guitar
PROGRAM NOTES
By Miguel Velarde
Monti: Czardas
I have always loved music composed for violin performed instead on double bass. It not only poses a proper challenge to the musician but also displays how beautifully the instrument can project sonorous floating melodies. With this piece in particular, the contrast of dramatic lyrical melodies to blistering fast passages make for an exciting experience both as a performer and listener. It is also worth mentioning that growing up I would often listen to my sister, Danielle, practice this piece on the violin.
Bottesini: Reverie
Reverie—a state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a day dream. Some of us may look out into inner space and venture deep into our mind to escape the rigors of life, longing for a state of tranquility, to finally feel at rest. This piece is for those weary souls, as well as souls departed.
Foley: Etude No. 1 “Little Foot”
A work from a living composer, “Little Foot” is the first etude in a book released in 2020 by Curtis Institute of Music alum and virtuosic bassist Xavier Foley. All these etudes are just as challenging as they are enjoyable, drawing influence from all corners of American music. I selected this etude in particular for its playful nature that brings out the child in us all.
Khachaturian (arr. Velarde): Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia
In my humble and honest opinion, there are few pieces that rival the level of romance portrayed in this work of music. Written for orchestra, I made this arrangement for double bass in a such a way that the full range of this ultra-dynamic instrument can be exhibited in full display. I dedicate this piece to my one and only sister, Danielle. She grew up with a love for both the violin and ballet, a love that culminated in her time playing in our high school symphony orchestra where she got the chance to perform this very piece. To this day it remains her favorite work of music.
PROGRAM NOTES
Velarde Jr. (arr. Velarde): Dahil Sa Iyo
Twice now I have mentioned my sister in my programming for this recital. It is only fitting that I end with a duet between the two of us. Dahil Sa Iyo (Because of You) was originally composed in 1938 for the film Bituing Marikit by, funnily enough, Miguel Velarde Jr. (no relation). I made this arrangement for guitar and violin in the winter of 2023 as an anniversary gift to my lolo and lola; my grandparents Maximo and Alicia Santos. This timeless Filipino love song was their anthem.
This recital is presented as a degree requirement for a Bachelor of Music in music education.
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education, Miguel Velarde has had the wonderful opportunity to study double bass under the guidance of Thomas Derthick and Kathryn Schulmeister at University of the Pacific. Now nearing graduation, Velarde hopes to channel his love for music, his willingness to help and serve others, and his newfound passion for conducting into becoming a music educator and an inspiration for generations of students to come. As he continues to work his way there, Velarde would like to express how grateful he is to his family and friends who have supported and believed in him every step of the way.
