Leon Chen piano
Susan Porrett reader
‘Chekhov’s Grand Piano’ interweaves piano music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev and Kreisler with readings from the ‘The Seagull’, ‘Ivanov’, ‘The Cherry Orchard’ and ‘The Three Sisters’, selected and read by actress Susan Porrett.
There are many parallels between the works of Anton Chekhov and the music of his compatriots. Chekhov’s writing is filled with allusions to music, especially the piano, and some of the plays have piano interludes. Shostakovich noted that Chekhov’s short stories were written in sonata form. Chekhov corresponded with Tchaikovsky whom he revered and his friend Rachmaninoff played the piano in Chekhov’s summer home The White Dacha at Yalta.
Tickets £16
PROGRAMME
Rachmaninoff – Prelude in D Major, Op.23, No. 4
Tchaikovsky – ‘April’ from The Seasons Op. 37, No. 4
Kreisler – Rachmaninoff – Liebesleid
Tchaikovsky – Dumka, Op. 59
Rachmaninoff – Prelude in E-Flat Major, Op.23, No. 6
Rachmaninoff – Prelude in A Major, Op.32, No. 9
Rachmaninoff – Prelude in B Minor Op.32 No.10
Prokovief – ‘Romeo and Juliet before parting’ from Romeo & Juliet Suite. Op.75
