ABOUT THE ARTIST
Peyton Cole, Piano
Peyton Cole is a piano student of Dr. Carl Cranmer and a member of the graduating class of 2024. A Pennsylvania Native born in West Grove; Peyton began studying piano in his senior year of high school. He initially enrolled as a composition major with a focus in voice, however, he quickly realized his passion for the keyboard and began to pursue a degree in piano performance. During his time at West Chester University, Peyton has been active as both an accompanist and soloist through various honors recitals, convocation, student recitals, and fundraiser concerts Most notable of these was a series of concerts he took part in with the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church in West Chester. As their accompanist, he traveled and performed with them in different cities such as Vienna, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, and Budapest. Performing in famous venues such as the St. Peters Church in Vienna, served as both a major source of inspiration, and an invigorating musical experience.
While he was working through his degree in piano performance, Peyton simultaneously studied the organ and church musicianship. From 2022-2023, he worked and studied as the Assistant Organist at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA. During this period, he studied organ playing, improvisation, and hymn playing with the Music Director Sandor Kadar. Throughout 2023-2024, he was employed as the Principal Organist at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE. Upon his graduation Peyton will begin his new role as the Music Director and Organist at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.
FrenchSuiteNo.4inE-FlatMajor,BWV815, J.SBach(1685-1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach, a towering figure of the Baroque era, composed his French Suites for the keyboard between 1722 and 1725. The prefix “French” was added many years after their composition in part due to the French style in which these dance suites were composed. This, however, is a misnomer as these suites are composed in a more Italian style than they are French. This suite comprises itself of seven movements: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Menuet, Air, and a Gigue. Each of these movements is a dance with origins from different regions in Europe such as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
PianoSonataNo.31inA-FlatMajor,Hob.XVI:46,FranzJoesephHaydn(1732-1809)
Franz Joeseph Haydn, often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony,” was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Haydn's Piano Sonata No. 31 is a charming piece of music which follows the standard threemovement structure typical of Classical-era sonatas: The opening movement, marked Allegro moderato, unfolds with grace and charm. Haydn's mastery of thematic development is on full display here, as he weaves together playful melodies and elegant phrases with effortless grace. The second movement, marked Adagio, provides a moment of serene introspection. Haydn imbues this slow movement with tender lyricism, crafting a melody of exquisite beauty that floats above a gently undulating accompaniment. The final movement, marked Presto, bursts forth with energy and vivacity. Haydn's wit and humor shine through in this lively rondo, as the playful main theme dances across the keyboard with joyful exuberance.
PianoQuartetNo.1inGminor,KV478W.AMozart(1756-1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a student of Franz Joeseph Haydn, was a composer that left his mark on the history of music. His effortless melodies find themselves stuck in our head still to this day. His Piano Quartet in G minor is a landmark work in the chamber music repertoire.
The opening movement, marked Allegro, immediately captivates listeners with its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. This movement is characterized by its contrasting themes, dynamic shifts, and expressive melodies, demonstrating Mozart’s mastery of form and structure.
The second movement, marked Andante, provides a moment of repose and introspection. Here, Mozart unveils a tender and lyrical melody, imbued with a sense of profound longing and melancholy. The interplay between the piano and strings is marked by delicate nuances of expression, drawing listeners into a world of heartfelt emotion.
The final movement, marked Allegro moderato, bursts forth with joyful exuberance and wit. Mozart displays his trademark brilliance and virtuosity in this spirited rondo, with its lively themes, sparkling passages, and effervescent energy. The interplay between the piano and strings is characterized by buoyant rhythms and playful exchanges, culminating in a thrilling climax that brings the work to a triumphant conclusion.