Selected works by C. Debussy, F. Chopin and J. Brahms

Selected works from Preludes Book 1
Danseuses de Delphes, La sérénade interrompue, La cathédrale engloutie by Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 by Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op.25 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Inspired by Impressionist painters and Symbolist literature, Claude Debussy’s two books of preludes for solo piano are harmonically inventive and atmospheric, each of the 24 preludes vividly capturing a moment in time.

Unlike Debussy’s compositional style which departs from established rules of harmony, Polish-French composer Chopin was a master of Romantic music. His second piano sonata, composed between 1837 and 1839, is centered around Marche funèbre, a funeral march. Orchestral arrangements of Marche funèbre are often played at funerals, including at Chopin’s own.

Composed in 1861, Brahms Piano Quartet in G Minor culminates in a rousing Rondo alla Zingarese, “in the Gypsy style” in which Brahms utilizes strumming effects in imitation of the cimbalon, a traditional Gypsy instrument.

Pianist, Ioannis Potamousis, described by the Pasatiempo as “New Colossus of the Keys”, is internationally acclaimed as a charismatic and passionate performer. He is known for his captivating artistry and introspective, poetic expression.

Ioannis will be joined in the second half by three accomplished young chamber musicians: violinist/violist Colin Laursen and cellist David Olson with whom he has previously performed, and violinist/violist Christine Wu, their esteemed colleague from undergraduate and graduate studies at Cleveland Institute and The Juilliard School.