Lee is beginning her program with Bach's Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 893. She has a very sensitive touch and a good sense for the character of this piece. Though in a minor key, the prelude has a feeling of playfulness in spots and Lee picked up on this and brought it out. Well done. Next is Chopin's Étude in C major, Op. 10, No. 1. Love this piece. It is very technically demanding for the performer due to the continually changing arpeggios with the melody tucked in various places throughout, this making voicing, not to mention finger equality, a challenge. Lee's interpretation was sensitive and accurate, moving gracefully and musically through the work. On to another piece I love...Beethoven's third movement (Allegro ma non troppo) from his Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57. Again, another ethnically demanding piece. Lee commented on the contrast in colors and emotions between this piece and Chopin pieces on either side of it (Chopin's Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2). Her comments were well chosen. The étude is bright and cherry and then we were pulled instantly into the dark thunder clouds of this third movement of Beethoven's 23rd sonata. The up-coming nocturne will return us to a peaceful emotion. Lee did justice to the phrasing and voicing of the Beethoven. On to the nocturne...all composers have particular works that seem to have an extra-special touch and inspiration; to me, this is one of those pieces. The key of D-flat major has so much expressive potential and Chopin masterfully harnesses that potential in this nocturne. Lee has captured the intensity of this piece and is performing it with warmth and beauty.
Closing Lee's solo recital is Muczynski's Desperate Measures in A minor, Op. 48 (Paganini Variations). This is a jazzy interpretation by Muczynski of Paganini's famous theme. Paraphrasing Lee's comments...Muczynski incorporates the jazz sound and feel through rhythm by placing emphasis on weak beats; by imitating the improvisatory aspect of jazz through non-harmonic notes; the relaxed, lazy character of some jazz music. He also uses the tango and waltz in the variations. Fun fact about this piece and our contestant: It was composed in her birth year, 1994. Cool ;)
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