MUSIC 2023 | 2024
2023 | 2024
Carol Xu, violin
Senior Recital
Matthew Brower, piano
From the studio of Jessica Wu
MUSIC
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Emerson Concert Hall
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Please turn off phones and all electronic devices. Photography, recording, or digital capture of this concert is not permitted.
Program Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
Program
Baal Shem Ernest Bloch
II. Nigun, B. 47 (1880–1959)
Matthew Brower, piano
Romance from Albumblatt, WWV 94 Richard Wagner (1813–1883)
arr. August Wilhelmj
Matthew Brower, piano
渔舟唱晚 (Fisherman’s Song at Dusk) Traditional arr. 娄树华
Eric Zhang, piano
Histoire du Tango Astor Piazzolla
III. Nightclub 1960 (1921—1992)
Shaoyu Zheng, guitar
—Brief Intermission—
Souvenir de Florence, op. 70 P yotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
IV. Allegro Vivace (1840–1893)
Rebecca Goodwin, violin; Sihyun Jeon and Oluwasjibomi Osunkoya, violas; Andrew Choi and Jordan Leslie, cellos
Sonata No. 2 in G Major for Violin and Piano, op. 13 Edvard Grieg
I. Lento doloroso–Poco allegro–Allegro vivace (1843–1907)
II. Allegretto tranquillo
III. Allegro animato
Matthew Brower, piano
Elite Syncopations Scott Joplin (1867/1868–1917)
arr. Itzhak Perlman
Matthew Brower, piano
This recital is presented by the Department of Music at Emory University | music.emory.edu
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Program Notes
Baal Shem
Ernest Bloch’s Nigun, the second movement from his suite Baal Shem: Three Pictures of Hassidic Life, is a poignant and spiritually rich piece that captures the essence of Jewish religious fervor and expression. Translating to “Improvisation” in Hebrew, Nigun begins with a solemn introduction, gradually building in intensity as it unfolds. Through its intricate melodies and passionate outpourings, the violinist embodies the role of a cantor, leading a congregation in fervent prayer. Bloch’s masterful use of modal harmonies and expressive ornamentation evokes the rich heritage of Jewish musical tradition, while the virtuosic passages showcase the violin’s ability to convey both deep emotion and technical brilliance.
Albumblatt
Richard Wagner, a suspicious and controversial guy, composed the Albumblatt as a heartfelt gift for Betty Schott, the wife of his publisher Franz Schott, during the mid-19th century. The original piano composition provides a charming glimpse into the more intimate side of the renowned composer, showcasing his versatility beyond grand operatic works.
渔舟唱晚
Liu Xue’an’s 渔舟唱晚 (Fisherman’s Song at Dusk) transports listeners to the tranquil waters of ancient China, where the serene melodies of the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, evoke the timeless beauty of nature. Through its evocative melodies and delicate phrasing, 渔舟唱晚 captures the essence of a peaceful evening by the riverside, where fishermen reflect upon the day’s work amidst the gentle lapping of the water.
Histoire du Tango
Histoire du Tango (History of the Tango) is a captivating composition by the Argentine composer and bandoneón player Astor Piazzolla. Composed in 1986, it is a four-movement suite that traces the evolution of the tango genre from its origins in the late 19th century to its modern-day interpretations. Each movement represents a different era in the history of the tango, capturing the distinctive styles, moods, and rhythms of each period. From the smoky bordellos of 1900s Buenos Aires to the sophisticated cafés of the 1930s and sultry nightclubs of the 1960s, Histoire du Tango takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through time and space. Nightclub 1960 embodies the essence of the tango nuevo genre, blending traditional Argentine tango with elements of jazz and classical music. Through virtuosic passages and intricate interplay between the violin and piano, Piazzolla captures the fiery passion and dynamic energy of the tango dance floor.
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Souvenir de Florence
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, op. 70, stands as a testament to the composer’s fascination with the Italian city and his exploration of chamber music. Composed in 1890, Tchaikovsky drew inspiration from his visits to Florence, capturing the city’s enchanting atmosphere in music. Originally written for string sextet, Souvenir de Florence was created during a period of creative renewal for Tchaikovsky, following the success of his Fifth Symphony. While the work was initially met with mixed reviews, it has since become one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved chamber compositions, celebrated for its emotional depth and melodic beauty.
Sonata No. 2 in G Major for Violin and Piano, op. 13
Edvard Grieg’s Sonata No. 2 in G Major for Violin and Piano, op. 13, composed during his 1867 honeymoon with his wife, Nina, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Norway’s natural beauty and folk music heritage. Nina was also his first cousin. Infused with joy and romance, the sonata intricately weaves Norwegian folk melodies into its lyrical passages, capturing the essence of the country’s landscapes. Grieg’s intimate connection to Norway shines through in the sonata’s vibrant rhythms and poignant melodies, reflecting his deep love for his homeland and its people. It stands as a timeless homage to Norway’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into Grieg’s profound affection for the country and his dedication to preserving its musical traditions.
Elite Syncopations
Scott Joplin, known as the “King of Ragtime,” holds a significant place in music history for his pioneering contributions to the development of the genre and his enduring influence on American music history. His composition Elite Syncopations, originally written for solo piano in 1902, is a lively and spirited piece that captures the exuberance of the ragtime era with its syncopated rhythms, playful motifs, and energetic tempo. Itzhak Perlman’s arrangement for violin and piano offers a fresh interpretation of this iconic ragtime classic.
Performer Biographies
Carol Xu, violin
Carol Xu is a fourth-year student at Emory University, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and human health, with a secondary major in music performance. She began her musical studies at age five in Dallas, Texas, under the guidance of Charles Krigbaum, and has since
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performed across the country, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. Prior to attending Emory, she was a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and is a former recipient of the Young Achiever Scholarship from the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Currently, Xu studies with Jessica Wu of the Vega Quartet and is concertmaster of the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. Her experiences performing in various chamber ensembles and assuming principal positions within the orchestra have enriched her musical journey and cultivated her leadership skills. Xu’s dedication to her artistry is reflected not only in her performances but also in her commitment to sharing her passion for music. She began teaching young violinists during high school and now has five years of experience working with students, from beginners to those studying advanced repertoire.
Xu extends her heartfelt gratitude to her many peers and mentors in the Department of Music at Emory University, which includes members of the Vega Quartet, Paul Bhasin, and each of her fellow music majors, whose collective influence has greatly contributed to her growth during the past four years. She is also honored to be the 2023–2024 recipient of the Emory University Women’s Club scholarship and would like to thank the club for its unwavering support of her artistic endeavors.
Matthew Brower, piano
Hailed as “superb” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Matthew Brower is a pianist, coach, and educator whose expertise spans a variety of genres, from classical piano, chamber music, opera, and art song to musical theater and jazz. He is an artist affiliate in piano at Emory University and Agnes Scott College and a member of 6-WIRE, a violin-erhu-piano trio that combines classical chamber music with styles from around the world. Brower has appeared in many prestigious venues throughout the United States and China, including Carnegie Hall, the Kimmel Center, and the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, and he has been featured on WRTI, Philadelphia’s classical radio station. As a vocal coach and choral accompanist, he has held positions at Opera Philadelphia, Westminster Choir College, the Curtis Institute Summerfest Young Artist Voice Program, the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, Opera in the Ozarks, and the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his current academic appointments, Brower served as a visiting assistant professor of piano at Washington College and a faculty member of the University of Delaware’s Master Players Festival. He has doctoral and master’s degrees in collaborative piano from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
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Music at Emory
Music at Emory brings together students, faculty, and world-class artists to create an exciting and innovative season of performances, lectures, workshops, and master classes. With more than 150 events each year across multiple Emory venues, audiences experience a wide variety of musical offerings.
We hope you enjoy sampling an assortment of work from our student ensembles, community youth ensembles, artists in residence, professional faculty, up-and-coming prodigies, and virtuosos from around the world.
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