Jessica Lara Presents: Strings of Romance
Tuesday, Nov. 12 5p° UTSA
Program
Partita No. 2 in D minor, S. 1004
Allemanda
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Salut d' Amour, Op. 12
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano
Sontata No. 2 in A minor-, Op. 27
Malinconia
Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26
1. Allegro moderato
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano
String Quartet No. 2 in A minor
3. Juba
Jennivie Bui, violin
Victoria Schneider, viola
Natalie Esquivel, cello
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931)
Max Bruch (1838-1920)
Florence Price (1887-1953)
Program Notes
Bach-
The Allemande from J.S. Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 is an elegant and deeply expressive dance movement. As typical of the Allemande form, the music unfolds in a moderate and flowing tempo with intricate melodic lines that weave through rich harmonic progressions. Bach’s writing here showcases his genius for counterpoint, with a single violin line suggesting multiple voices through its complex phrasing and rhythmic subtlety. The Allemande’s reflective and stately character sets the tone for the partita, balancing technical challenge with emotional depth, and invites the performer to explore both precision and expressivity.
Elgar-
Salut d’ Amour, composed in 1888, is one of the most recognizable love themes we hear today. Before composing this piece, Elgar was presented with a gift from his fiance Caroline Alice Roberts, a poem titled “The Wind at Dawn”. Once Elgar returned home from holiday he presented her with this piece to go along with the poem. Salut d’ Amour is also given the subtitle Leibesgruss which translates to “love’s greeting”. Elgar originally gave it this name because of Robert’s fluency in German but changed it to a French name for the sake of selling more copies across Europe.
Ysaÿ˜-
Eugène Ysaÿe'sViolin Sonata No. 2 in A minor, Op. 27, Malinconia (1923), is a deeply melancholic work, inspired by the composer's visit to his mother's grave. The movement explores a wide range of emotional and technical depth, blending lyrical, mournful themes with virtuosic passages, including intricate double stops and chormatisicm. In this movement, he incorporates a dire ires theme. The dire ires theme is a melody dating back to the medevial era and symbolizes the final judgment before death.
Bruch-
The first movement of Max Bruch'sViolin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, titled Vorspiel: Allegro moderato, serves as a dramatic prelude to the concerto. Unlike a traditional standalone opening, this movement feels like a lyrical introduction, seamlessly leading into the second movement. The solo violin enters early with sweeping, impassioned phrases, setting an expressive tone. Throughout, the movement alternates between stormy orchestral passages and the violin’s virtuosic, yet deeply emotional, voice. Its structure creates a sense of anticipation, heightening the emotional impact of the ensuing Adagio.
Price-
The third movement of Florence Price’s String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, titled Juba, captures the infectious energy of a traditional African American dance. Price brings this lively folk dance to life with rhythmic vitality and playful, syncopated melodies, reflecting her unique ability to merge classical structure with African American musical elements. The energetic interplay between the instruments creates a vibrant, foot-tapping momentum, contrasting with more lyrical sections. This movement serves as a joyous celebration of cultural heritage, making it one of the most dynamic and engaging parts of the quartet.
Acknowledgments
To my friends:
I cannot express enough how much you all have helped me heal my relationship with music and show me what true friends are. Ever since I can remember I struggled with trying to fit in and find a sense of belonging. It took 22 years to find you all and although it was a painful trial and error, I am incredibly grateful to have all of you as my closest friends. Because of all of you, I am excited to get to school, endure long rehearsals, get through late-night study sessions, and most of all be myself. I love you all so much. Thank you for being goofy and amazing people.
To my parents:
After many hours of observing and teaching beginner string students, I now know how y’all must have felt during my first few years of playing violin LOL! With that being said, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to start my journey in fifth-grade strings. You two have been my biggest supporters and my inspiration to keep playing the violin. It is my passion to teach music, but I am also pursuing this degree for you. Everything I learn and perform I do for you. The past few years alone are filled with memories I will hold dearly in my heart. Every time I am about to perform and I see you two sitting in the audience I feel like that excited little girl playing violin in the Oak HillsTerrace cafeteria all over again. I love you, mom and dad!
To my teachers:
As I reflect on my journey through college, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and guidance of my teachers and professors. Each of you has played an integral role in shaping my musical career, from challenging me to push beyond my limits to nurturing my passion for music. Your encouragement, expertise, and genuine belief in my potential have been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for the wisdom and skills you've imparted. Whether through constructive criticism, inspirational lessons, or simply being there when I needed advice or reassurance, you have all helped me grow as both an artist and an individual. I could not have come this far without your dedication and care, and I will carry the lessons you've taught me throughout my career. Thank you for everything—your impact on my life is immeasurable.
To my husband:
My love, thank you for everything you do for me. I would also not be here without your help. When I am losing motivation and hope I know I can always turn to you for guidance. I always think back to our time together in our high school orchestra class and the music we played beside each other. Even now in college I think of you when I am performing. You always showed me compassion when I needed it most and saved my life. Music brought us together and I will always remember that. I love you so much!
