To open her program, Sasha is playing Bach's Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-flat major, BWV 886. Her finger work on the prelude was lovely and her projection of each of the voices in the fugue well done. Fugues are tricky pieces due to having to keep track of several melodic ideas at the same time. Sasha managed this beautifully. The first movement (Largo, Allegro) from Beethoven's Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 is next. This piece alternates between quiet yet suspenseful sections and quick, agitated sections. Sasha took us from one to the other and back again with grace, putting across the character changes well. The Chopin nocturne she selected is No. 4 in F major, Op. 15, No.1. It opens with a lilting and sweet Andante cantabile. A middle section marked "Con fuoco" in F minor, disturbs atmosphere of the Andante. It is a fiery, intense section. Peace and calm are restored with the return of the Andante cantabile. Moving to the contemporary realm, Sasha is performing the second of Rochberg's Four Short Sonatas, Molto Rubato. Paraphrasing her comments on this sonata...the set was completed in 1984. The influence of Debussy can be heard in the parallel chords and sustained damper pedal. Rochberg is meticulous with his dynamic markings, making it very clear to the performer what he wants. He does not provide a time signature, nor does he use solid bar lines, rather dashed lines, leading the performer to think the piece will feel improvisatory. However, as one studies the piece it becomes apparent that it is structured. The sonata allegro form can be traced through the sonata with first and second themes (first theme being more an idea based on the opening chord) being stated, developed and then recapped.
Progressing to Sasha's closing piece, Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 in C-sharp minor, S. 244/12. Sasha chose this piece because she finds Liszt's use of many small sections that, while having their own distinct character, he brings together into one magnificent piece. Good description. This rhapsody is composed of many small sections, as Sasha stated, and she is doing an excellent job of showing is the unity that exists between those sections.
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