MUSIC 2023 | 2024
2023 | 2024
MUSIC
Rebecca Goodwin, violin
Senior Recital
From the studio of Jessica Wu
Rachel Seong, cello
Senior Recital
From the studio of Karen Freer
Sonny Yoo, piano
Saturday, April 14, 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
Mazurka No. 1 in G Major, op. 26
Rebecca Goodwin and Sonny Yoo
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, op. 108
Aleksander Zarzycki (1834–1895)
Johannes Brahms
I. Allegro (1833–1897)
II. Adagio
III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
IV. Presto agitato
Rebecca Goodwin and Sonny Yoo
—Intermission—
Fantasy Pieces
Robert Schumann
I. Zart und mit Ausdruck (1810–1856)
II. Lebhaf t, leicht
III. Rasch und mit Feuer
Rachel Seong and Sonny Yoo
Cello Duet No. 2, op. 22
Friedrich August Kummer
I. Allegro moderato (1797–1879)
Rachel Seong and Hwanwook Seong
Polonaise de Concert David Popper (1843–1913)
Rachel Seong and Sonny Yoo
Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, op. 32
Anton Arensk y
IV. Finale: Allegro non troppo (1861–1906)
Rebecca Goodwin, Rachel Seong, and Sonny Yoo
This recital is presented by the Department of Music at Emory University music.emory.edu
Program Notes
Mazurka No. 1 in G Major, op. 26
Mazurka No. 1 in G Major, Op. 26, encapsulates the vibrant essence of Polish folk music within the framework of the classical tradition. Composed in the late 19th century, Aleksander Zarzycki’s Mazurka embodies the lively rhythms and spirited melodies characteristic of the Mazurka dance form. With its lilting triple meter and syncopated accents, the piece exudes an infectious energy that captures the essence of traditional Polish celebrations. Through its graceful phrasing and colorful harmonies, Mazurka No. 1 transports listeners to the rustic landscapes of Poland, inviting them to revel in the joyous spirit and timeless charm of this beloved dance genre.
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, op. 108
Johannes Brahms’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, op. 108 stands as a testament to the composer’s mastery of form and emotional depth. Written in 1888, this sonata represents Brahms’s mature style, characterized by intricate thematic development and rich harmonic language. The opening Allegro is marked by its dramatic intensity, juxtaposed with moments of tender lyricism in the second movement, Adagio. The sonata reaches its climax with the lively and virtuosic finale, marked Presto agitato. Throughout the work, Brahms showcases the violin’s versatility and expressive range, weaving a compelling narrative that resonates with both passion and introspection.
Fantasy Pieces for Cello and Piano, op. 73
Robert Schumann composed his Fantasy Pieces for Cello and Piano, op. 73, in 1849, a tumultuous period in his life. The three pieces encapsulate the emotional depth of the Romantic era, with the first movement, Zart und mit Ausdruck, presenting a tender and introspective character. In contrast, the second movement, Lebhaft, leicht, introduces a lively and playful dance-like quality, providing a charming interlude. The final movement, Rasch und mit Feuer, brings the collection to a thrilling conclusion with virtuosic passages and intense emotion, showcasing Schumann’s mastery in expressing both technical prowess and fiery passion.
4
Cello Duet No. 2, op. 22
Friedrich August Kummer’s Cello Duet No. 2, op. 22 unfolds with grace and charm in its first movement marked Allegro moderato. Composed during the early 19th century, this duet exemplifies Kummer’s adeptness at crafting engaging melodic lines and demonstrating a deep understanding of classical forms. In the opening movement, listeners are greeted with an elegant exchange between the two cellos, characterized by a balance of lyricism and structured playfulness. The Allegro moderato tempo sets the tone for a lively yet measured dialogue, showcasing Kummer’s mastery in creating delightful moments of musical interplay.
Polonaise de Concert, op. 14
Renowned cellist and composer David Popper’s Polonaise de Concert, op. 14, stands as a captivating showcase of virtuosity and Polish-inspired flair. Composed in the late 19th century, this work encapsulates the Romantic spirit with its brilliant, dance-like character and the influence of Polish folk traditions. Popper designed this piece to exploit the full range and technical capabilities of the cello. The piece unfolds with a captivating introduction, leading into a series of dynamic variations. The work’s infectious energy is heightened by its Polonaise rhythm, paying homage to the traditional Polish dance form.
Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, op. 32
The fourth movement, marked Finale: Allegro non troppo, of Anton Arensky’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 32, brings the work to a spirited and triumphant close. Composed in the late 19th century, this Finale showcases Arensky’s command of form and his ability to infuse dramatic energy into his compositions. The movement opens with a robust and rhythmic theme, presented with a sense of urgency that propels the music forward. The movement alternates between moments of fiery intensity and more lyrical, reflective episodes. The vigorous and virtuosic passages for each instrument contribute to the overall sense of excitement and grandeur.
5
Performer Biographies
Rebecca Goodwin, violin
Rebecca Goodwin, 21, from Marietta, Georgia, is a senior at Emory University double majoring in chemistry and music performance on the pre-veterinary track. Goodwin began her music journey with singing and playing piano before she settled on the violin at age six, studying under Dmitri Torchinsky in Doha, Qatar. After moving to Marietta, Goodwin studied with Vera Ilyushina throughout middle and high school. She has performed in the Georgia All-State Orchestra, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. While at Emory, she has performed in the Emory University Symphony Orchestra and several Emory Chamber Ensembles. She currently studies with Jessica Shuang Wu, violinist of the Vega Quartet. Outside of music, Goodwin obtained her EMT certification, completed an animal care internship at AWARE Wildlife Center, and holds leadership positions in the Emory Pre-Veterinary Club and Crochet @ Emory. Goodwin plans to continue working as a veterinary assistant at Dearborn Animal Hospital before attending veterinary school.
Rachel Seong, cello
Rachel Seong, 21, is a senior at Emory University double majoring in biology and music performance on the pre-dental track. She started playing cello at age 10, studying with Michael Way in El Paso, Texas, and continued under Justin Dougherty throughout high school. Seong currently studies under Karen Freer, assistant principal cello of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and an artist affiliate at Emory. During high school, Seong participated in Georgia All-State orchestras, the Governor’s Honors Program for music, and the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she serves as the assistant principal in the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. Seong worked on an honors thesis for her biology major during her time in the Yao Lab of the Department of Human Genetics in the School of Medicine at Emory. She also spends time shadowing dentists in various specialties in hopes of pursuing dentistry.
6
Sonny Yoo, piano
Pianist Sonny Yoo is rapidly gaining recognition for the uncommon versatility of his musical projects as well as the depth and excellence he brings to each area of his work. Yoo won the University of Georgia Concerto Competition with Johannes Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Yoo is a member of the Aurora Piano Quartet; the group performed in multiple recitals and participated in the 2019 Chamber Music Athens Festival. Yoo is currently the sole teaching assistant at the University of Georgia (UGA) Opera Center and performs with many accomplished instrumentalists. Yoo also has extensive experience accompanying choirs. In addition to performance, he is informed by his early composition studies; he frequently performs his piano compositions. Currently, he is a DMA candidate and graduate assistant at UGA studying with Liza Stepanova, and a piano artist affiliate at Emory University.
Hwanwook Seong, guest cello
Hwanwook Seong, 24, graduated summa cum laude from Emory University with a bachelor of science degree in biology and a bachelor of arts degree in music performance. He began his cello studies at age 11 with Michael Way in El Paso, Texas, and has been playing for 13 years. Seong studied under Karen Freer during his undergraduate years. Seong has gone on to receive top honors at regional and state competitions including All-Region, All-State, GMTA, UIL, and GHP. After moving to Georgia, Seong has served as principal cellist for the Georgia All-State Orchestra, the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. He currently works as an orthopedic medical scribe at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and hopes to attend medical school within the next few years. Seong now also takes part in the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra.
7
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.
music.emory.edu