Paul Turner plays Beethoven sonatas as part of the Swindon Recital Series sponsored by Bower Bailey Solicitors
Wyvern Theatre Wednesday April 6th 1.05pm
Professional live chamber music. Beethoven reigns supreme for the Swindon Recital Series next Lunchtime Concert when Paul takes the stage to perform some well-known favourites.
Swindon Recital Series’ Founder and Artistic Director Paul Turner has the stage to himself for this recital as he indulges us with some of Beethoven’s most popular music. The Moonlight Sonata was written when Beethoven was 31 and in love with his 17-year-old piano student The Countess Giuletta Guicciadri. He proposed, she accepted, but her parents forebade the match as Beethoven was a commoner. This sonata is dedicated to her. Shortly after Beethoven’s death a well-known music critic commented that the first movement sounded like moonlight shining on Lake Lucerne and so the sonata gained its popular title. The name may be romantic but overall the mood is darker and heavier than it implies.
His Rondo Op. 51 No. 1 opens with a theme suggestive initially of grace and elegance, however the music becomes darker and more intense. Not one of the composer’s deeper creations but its energy and youthful charm make it a thoroughly worthwhile listening experience.
The Pathétique Sonata was composed when Beethoven was 27. Although ‘pathetic’ is not a complimentary term these days, in Beethoven’s time a dictionary defined it as affecting the emotions of pity, grief or sorrow. One of the most celebrated of his works – and the most often used as a basis for popular music over recent decades (Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence is an example) – the piece moves from dark and dramatic through calm contemplation to end with an energetic flourish.
Simon Smith, Partner, Bower Bailey Regent Circus, Swindon said, “This is Professional Live Chamber music in the heart of Swindon which proves a real oasis in the return to the busy work life.”
“We are looking forward to once again being present in the theatre and hearing in person Paul Turner on stage on Piano. We have enjoyed supporting Paul Turner and Swindon Recital Series over the years and this Season will be especially important as we welcome the return of live music post Covid.”
Paul Turner appears at the Wyvern Theatre on April 6th at 1.05pm. Standard tickets are £7 plus administration fee of 50 pence. Student tickets are £3; accompanied children aged 14 and under are admitted without charge. Ticket office https://swindontheatres.co.uk / 0343 310 0040.
This concert is supported by Bower Bailey, Solicitors.
