ABOUT THE ARTIST
Lucas Casagrande, cello
Italian Brazilian cellist Lucas Casagrande begun his music studies at the age of 10 playing guitar and switched to cello at the age of 15. One year later, he was playing as a section member of the Rio Claro Symphony Orchestra, in his hometown, Rio Claro, Brazil. He finished a bachelor's degree in cello performance in 2020, under guidance of Dr. Andre Micheletti, at the prestigious University of Sao Paulo, where he co-founded the Fratres Cello Ensemble and the USP Chamber Music Experimental Group. In 2022, Lucas emigrated to the United States and studied with Dennis Parker for one year at Nicholls State University, in Thibodaux, Louisiana., with a full scholarship for a performance non-degree program After that, he was admitted to a master’s program at West Chester University, under the guidance of Dr. Ovidiu Marinescu. Throughout his musical life, he has worked as a chamber musician, orchestra musician, recitalist and soloist., participating in music festivals in both Brazil and Italy.
SONATAFORPIANOANDVIOLONCELLONO3INAMAJOR, OP. 69(LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN)
The composition life of Ludwig Van Beethoven can be divided into three different eras. The second, inaugurated by his Third Symphony in E Flat Major, is called “Heroic”, and contains his most prestigious works. The A Major Sonata was written immediately after his fifth and sixth symphonies. After facing the disease that would take away his health and turn him deaf and accepting his fate, embracing the years he would have to come, he decided on a more positive tone.
The sonata opens with the theme being played by the cello and repeated by the piano. The first movement presents different themes that are equally distributed on both instruments. The second movement is a scherzo, or “a joke”, in literal Italian language. The A Minor key demonstrates a more serious idea for the sonata, interluded by a more playful A Major theme. The last movement is divided into two parts. It begins with a mellow and beautiful cantabile in E major, before transitioning into A Major again in Allegro Vivace, the cello starts the new theme again and suddenly repeated by the piano.
It's the most lyrical and balanced of Beethoven’s cello sonatas. The cello and piano are equal partners, a shift from earlier sonatas where the piano often dominated. It blends classical elegance with Romantic lyricism, showcasing both instruments beautifully.
SONATAFORPIANOANDVIOLONCELLOINCMAJOR, OP. 119(SERGEIPROKOFIEV)
This sonata is a gem from the 20th century and a “must-know” piece of music for any cellist. Sergei Prokofiev returned to the Soviet Union after living abroad and rapidly had to face persecution and censorship by the Russian government. Written in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Prokofiev had to balance expressive depth with political caution yet the music is anything but bland. Before its public premiere, performers Mstislav Rostropovich and Sviatoslav Richter were required to present the work to the Composer's Union for approval, highlighting the era's artistic constraints
The first movement is a slow introduction to the sonata, where the cello and piano collaborate to create a heavy atmosphere. This opening movement features a solemn, chant-like melody in the cello, reminiscent of Russian Orthodox liturgical music. The piano complements it with rich harmonies, creating a dialogue that balances introspection with emotional depth.
The second movement serves as a scherzo and slow trio. Is more optimistic with a bit of irony from the composer, who was known for using rich and sarcastic elements in his music. Full of lyricism, warmth, and wit especially in the middle section with its playful charm, with rich rhythms. The contrast between the sections adds a layer of complexity.
The third movement presents different themes that are explored in different keys. The cello sings with rich, expressive melodies, while the piano part is intricate and colorful. This finale Allegro, ma no troppo is characterized by spirited rhythms and folk-inspired melodies. It culminates in a unison passage between cello and piano, concluding with the cello's resonant open C string, leaving a lasting impression of unity and resolution.