White Nights – Songs and miniatures from the North 

 Lenia Zafeiropoulou and Thodoris Tzovanakis dedicate an evening to two major figures of late Romanticism from Northern Europe, Jean Sibelius and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. In their songs and short piano pieces, the two composers have much in common: both are often inspired by the folk tradition and the folksy ballads of their homeland, both love the dark and ominous pages of love poetry and often craft incomplete, enigmatic stories through their songs. Along with these, they share their vast expressive range, from the quiet inner monologue to the extroverted passion that often fearlessly reaches the point of dramatic lament, unrestrained confession and explosive joy. In their hands, the emotional boldness and love for the vernacular that have accompanied the Romantic movement from its very beginnings become the ripe, succulent fruits of a late summer.

Participants:

Lenia Zafeiropoulou mezzo-soprano

Thodoris Tzovanakis piano 

PROGRAMME

Jean Sibelius

Miniatures for piano:

The Fir Tree, Work 75, No. 5

Waltz, Op. 24, No. 5

Andantino, Op. 24, No. 7

Capriccio, Op. 24, No. 3

Varkarola, Work 24, No. 10

—————-

Schwarze Rosen (Black Roses) Op. 36, No. 1

Diamant auf dem Märzschnee (A Diamond in the March Snow), Op. 36,6

Schlaf ein (Fall Asleep), Op. 17, No. 2

An den Abend At Dusk, Op. 17, No. 6

Der erste Kuss The First Kiss, Op. 37, No. 1

Mädchen kam vom Stelldichein The girl returned from her date, Op. 37.5

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

March: The Song of the Lark (from *The Seasons*) for solo piano, Op. 37

If only I knew, if I knew, Op. 47, No. 1

Don’t believe it, my friend; Don’t believe it, my love, Op. 6, No. 1

Lullaby, op. 16, No. 1

Not a Word, My Friend; Not a Word, My Love, Op. 6, No. 2

A Terrifying Minute op. 28.6

Whether the Day Reigns or the Night, Op. 47, No. 6