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30 August 2024, Friday • 8pmVictoria Concert Hall PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024SILVER MEDAL WINNERExperience the Heavenly Sound from Europe.Tender yet Energetic.PIANO CONCERT2024PRESENTED BY : • Beethoven• Glinka• Balakirev• Rameau• Schubert• Tchaikovsky• Stravinsky

BIOGRAPHYGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024GEORGE HARLIONOGeorge Harliono, a British-Indonesian concert pianist, soared to new heights in 2023 when he clinched the Silver Medal at the prestigious XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition. A musical prodigy who debuted at nine, his talent shines with prizes from numerous international competitions, such as the Grand Piano Competition in Moscow and the Sendai International Music Competition. At age fifteen, George also became one of the youngest ever admitted to the Royal College of Music's BMUS program on a full scholarship. His acclaimed performances at reputable concert venues worldwide and collaborations with renowned artists like Denis Matsuev and Valery Gergiev have solidified his place among the world's most promising young pianists. Winning the 'Best Guest Artist' at the '440 Hz' awards in 2022 for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in Moscow is just one testament to his musical brilliance.“George Harliono is very talented, he’s got a phenomenal career ahead of him”ABOUT THE RECITALA perfect symbiosis of music, passion, and piano, the remarkably young pianist George Harliono never fails to deliver awe-inspiring moments on stage. With unique British-Asian roots, he explores and pushes musical boundaries. Whether navigating music in the French elaborate style, evoking the raw emotions of Beethoven, or embracing the oriental exoticism of Glinka’s compositions, George invites the audience to embark on a musical journey with him. rough his performances, George unites humanity and reveals the multi-faceted depths of his versatile musical persona. One is expected to leave his recital feeling sated and fulfilled.Russian pianist Denis Matsuev

PROGRAMME24minsSonata Op.31 No.2 ‘Tempest’L.V. BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)5mins 15se LarkM.GLINKA / M.BALAKIREV(1804-1857)/(1837-1910)9 mins 30sIslamey Op.18M.BALAKIREV(1837-1910)9mins3 Klavierstücke, D. 946 - No. 1 in E Flat MinorF. SCHUBERT (1797-1828))3mins2mins 10s3mins 10s1mins 45sFrom Pièces de ClavecinJ.-P.RAMEAU(1683-1764)*Programme subject to change at the artist’s discretionFor a comfortable recital experience:Latecomers will only beadmitted at suitable intervalsSwitch your devices toAirplane ModeDo not clap between movementsRemain silent9minsDumka in C minor Op.59P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY(1840-1893)12minsI. STRAVINSKY / G. AGOSTI (1882-1971) / (1901-1989)GEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024Les Tourbillons (Rondeau) RCT 3/7Les Tendres Plaintes (Rondeau) RCT 3/1Stravinsky/Agosti: 3 movements from the Firebird SuiteII. Berceuse III. FinaleI. Dance infernaleLes Cyclopes (Rondeau) RCT 3/8From Nouvelles Suites de Pièces de ClavecinLes Sauvages RCT 6/6

24minsOften referred to as "Der Sturm" (e Tempest), this sonata emerged during a period of intense personal anguish over his encroaching deafness in 1802. e title, though not given by Beethoven himself, originated from a comment he made to his friend Anton Schindler. When asked how to interpret the sonata, Beethoven suggested reading Shakespeare's "e Tempest," and thus the nickname was born. e "Tempest" sonata is part of a set of three sonatas under Op. 31 and comprises three movements. is work is distinguished by its dramatic and innovative structure and harmony, pioneering at the time. e composer's exploration of new musical ideas in Op. 31 No. 2 also foreshadowed later developments in the Romantic era. e first movement opens with a mysterious Largo introduction before transitioning into a turbulent Allegro that mirrors the turbulent emotions Beethoven experienced during the Heiligenstadt Testament period. e music alternates between peaceful and tempestuous passages, creating a hauntingly stormy atmosphere. Additionally, this movement's frequent changes in tempo and key—from Largo to Allegro, and then to Adagio—heighten the listener's emotional excitement through a dynamic interplay of tension and release. Adagio, set in B-flat major, is one of Beethoven's tranquil and expressive slow movements. Structured in sonata form, it offers a lyrical and serene contrast, featuring expansive and beautiful melodies that convey tender emotions. Finally, the Allegretto movement serves as a virtuosic display. It begins with a haunting, hypnotic theme that evokes a sense of pathos, punctuated by frenzied outbursts. e movement maintains a tragic undertone throughout, concluding with the music fading into silence, leaving the audience with an impression of haunting beauty.Sonata Op.31 No.2 ‘Tempest’I. Largo-Allergro II. Adaigo III. AllegrettoL.V. BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)PROGRAMME NOTESGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024

5mins 15sKnown as the father of modern Russian music, Mikhail Glinka composed e Lark in 1840 amidst atumultuous period in his life. is song is one of the twelve pieces from his "A Farewell to SaintPetersburg" cycle, which includes works for voice and piano with lyrics from renowned Russian poets.Glinka's innovative use of folk melodies and harmonies laid the groundwork for a distinctly Russianmusical language that would inspire generations of composers.Glinka's influence is profoundly evident in the work of his compatriot and admirer, Mily Balakirev.Balakirev, a leading figure of e Five – a group of Russian composers dedicated to creating a nationalisticmusical style – skilfully transformed the simple, melancholic song into a highly virtuosic pianotranscription reminiscent of Liszt.e piece opens with a delicate portrayal of the lark's soaring melody, gradually building to breathtakingdisplays of technical prowess, showcasing intricate arpeggios and rapid fingerwork. Eventually, the musicgracefully descends, concluding in a reflective silence.e Lark not only highlights Glinka's melodic genius but also Balakirev's exceptional skill in bringing outthe piano's virtuosic potential, thus solidifying the piece as a cornerstone of the Romantic pianorepertoire.e LarkM.GLINKA/M.BALAKIREV (1804-1857)/(1837-1910)PROGRAMME NOTESGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 20242Islamey is renowned for its exceptional demands on technical skill and unique Eastern culturalinfusion, which quickly garnered widespread attention upon its completion in 1869.
A pioneer of Russian nationalism, Balakirev was known for being a fervent collector of folk tunes, apassion evident in most of his classical music compositions. Inspired by his trip to the Caucasus in 1863,he composed Islamey, drawing from dance tunes encountered there and an Armenian song heard atTchaikovsky’s house in 1869, sung by the Armenian baritone Konstantin de Lazari.
Balakirev masterfully constructs a piece of contrasting moods, from the fiery, percussive opening to thesensuous and lyrical Andantino central section. Ultimately, the opening dance reappears, concludingdramatically in fortissimo.
e work’s rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness create a captivating atmosphere, while its relentlesstechnical challenges have earned it a legendary reputation. Even today, pianists approach Islamey with amix of awe and trepidation. Maurice Ravel also famously remarked that his Gaspard de la nuit was anattempt to write "a piece more difficult than Balakirev’s Islamey".IslameyM.BALAKIREV (1837-1910)39mins 30s

ese three works are part of the Suite in D major, RCT 3, a collection of cleverly titled shortharpsichord movements. ey adopt the rondeau form, a favoured structure among Rameau and hiscontemporaries for its ability to explore diverse thematic developments before revisiting the maintheme.Les Tendres Plaintes ("e Tender Complaints") opens the D major Suite. Beginning in D minor, it delicately expresses the tender emotions and technical finesse of Rameau's keyboard compositions.e title hints at the nuanced expression and delicate affect the music conveys, evoking a sense ofintrospective melancholy. is piece was later adapted into a ballet movement in Zoroastre (1749).In stark contrast, Les Tourbillons ("e Whirlwinds") shifts from sentimentality to portray the force of strong winds. It showcases Rameau's skill in crafting rapid, intricate passages that emulatewindstorms' swirling and unpredictable nature. e lively rhythms and spirited tempo create a senseof perpetual motion, drawing listeners into an exhilarating whirlwind of sound.Finally, Les Cyclopes offers a dramatic musical journey evocative of the mythical giants it is named after. Here, Rameau uses his unique technique of ‘batteries,’ which he claimed to have invented. Heonce explained, "In one of the batteries, the hands make between them the consecutive movement oftwo drumsticks; and in the other, the left-hand passes over the right to play alternately bass andtreble." Les Cyclopes showcases Rameau's storytelling prowess, weaving myth and melody in theBaroque era.e sixth piece from the Suite in G major/G minor, RCT 6, stands as one of Rameau's mostcelebrated works. Inspired by the dances of Louisiana Indians at the éâtre-Italien in Paris duringthe 1720s, this work captures the "noble savage" ideal and the vibrant culture of these indigenouspeople. is short piece is characterised by its rhythmic vitality, exotic harmonies, and vividorchestration, reflecting the Enlightenment fascination with distant cultures. Les Sauvages eventually found its way into Rameau's 1735 opera-ballet Les Indes Galantes. It also remained acornerstone of the Baroque repertoire for blending French Baroque elegance with a spirited depictionof indigenous dance.J.-P. RAMEAU (1683-1764)PROGRAMME NOTESGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 202443mins2mins 10s3mins 10s1mins 45sFrom Pièces de ClavecinLes Tourbillons (Rondeau) RCT 3/7Les Tendres Plaintes (Rondeau) RCT 3/1From Nouvelles Suites de Pièces de ClavecinLes Sauvages RCT 6/6Les Cyclopes (Rondeau) RCT 3/8

9minsCompleted months before Schubert’s death in 1828, the D. 946 set showcases inventive pianistic textures that represent his adventurous keyboard writing. e first piece embodies a profound emotional depth, blending melancholy and introspection, characteristic of Schubert's unparalleled ability to convey complex emotions through music.It opens with a dark, turbulent E-flat minor key that Schubert rarely used. e agitated triplets and dotted rhythms at the start set a dramatic tone, eventually giving way to a lyrically expansive middle section marked Andante. is section, in B major, contrasts strikingly in mood and key. It features rich chords, dazzling runs, virtuosic episodes, and dramatic tremolandi that anticipate the improvisatory piano recitatives of Liszt. e middle section’s lyrical and intimate quality showcases Schubert's skill in creating deeply expressive music.A bridging section of repeating pianississimo triplets returns the music to its initial turbulence, creating a cohesive yet dynamic structure. e interplay between the contrasting sections highlights Schubert's mastery in navigating different emotional landscapes within a single piece.3 Klavierstücke, D. 946 - No. 1 in E Flat MinorF. SCHUBERT (1797-1828)PROGRAMME NOTESGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 202459minsA musical genre from Ukraine, Dumka is a Slavic folk ballad frequently used by classical composers. Tchaikovsky’s Dumka in C minor, Op. 59, subtitled "Scenes from a Russian Village," is a single-movement piano piece filled with shifting moods, moving from a melancholic tone to an exuberant middle section. e emotions within Dumka resonate with Tchaikovsky's inner turmoil as he grappled with decades of life struggles and navigated through years of political upheaval. By April of 1885, seeking refuge from the chaos of urban life, Tchaikovsky retreated to the tranquil surroundings of the Moscow countryside. Against this backdrop, one can hear the echoes of his narrative woven into Dumka and the feelings of sadness expressed in this piece.Dumka is framed by a recitative-like melody. e piece begins with a melancholic introduction, reflecting the folk story music of the East Slavic ethnic minority. After gradual development, it becomes a lively, folk-inspired dance followed by a bravura cadenza. is showcases Tchaikovsky's ability to blend deep emotional expression with vibrant, energetic rhythms.Utilising elements of Slavic musical traditions, Dumka becomes a brilliant concert work for piano. e beautiful textures and emotional depth continue to captivate pianists and audiences alike, standing as a testament to Tchaikovsky's genius in melding folk elements with classical forms.Dumka in C minor Op.59P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)6

PROGRAMME NOTESGEORGE HARLIONO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024Stravinsky was only 27 when Sergei Diaghilev commissioned him to compose a ground-breaking ballet for the Ballets Russes based on the Russian legend, the Firebird. is work fused Russian folk melodies with modern harmonies and rhythms, bringing a fairytale to life at the Paris Opera. e Firebird's vibrant orchestration and innovative use of dissonance and polyrhythm redefined the possibilities of ballet music.Almost two decades later, Italian pianist and composer Guido Agosti transcribed three solo piano movements from e Firebird Suite and dedicated it to his teacher, Ferruccio Busoni. Stravinsky's music, renowned for its kaleidoscopic textures, wide-ranging melodic fragments, and widely spaced chord structures, seemed almost impossible to capture on a single instrument. e composer's ingenious use of colour and timbre, typically achieved through a vast orchestra, posed an insurmountable barrier for the piano. Consequently, Agosti's transcription is spread across three staves, with the nightmarish piano writing aimed to capture Stravinsky's orchestral brilliance and dramatic narrative of e Firebird as much as possible.Agosti's transcription provides a thrilling glimpse into the ballet's pivotal moments. Danse infernale is a turbulent depiction of Prince Ivan's capture by the monstrous underlings of the evil sorcerer, Kastchei. e tension builds to a climactic struggle as Ivan, armed with the Firebird's magical feather, casts a spell, compelling his captors into a frenzied dance until they collapse from exhaustion. e Berceuse, a haunting lullaby, conjures the eerie stillness of the vanquished foes. e Finale bursts with exuberant energy, celebrating the union of Prince Ivan and his beloved princess.Stravinsky/Agosti: 3 movements from the Firebird SuiteI. STRAVINSKY/G. AGOSTI (1882-1971) / (1901-1989)712minsI. Dance infernale II. Berceuse III. Finale

World-Class Pianists on Bechstein Piano in SingaporeMartha ArgerichEsplanade Concert Hall7 November 2022Sir Stephen HoughVictoria Concert Hall31 August • 4 September 2022Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 In B-flat Major, Op.83Yunchan LimEsplanade Concert Hall 9 November 2022Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major , Op.73Kit ArmstrongVictoria Concert Hall 3 June 2022Haiou ZhangSingapore Conference Hall 14 May 2022Fujii Takashi & Yoshie ShiramizuSingapore Conference Hall13 August 2023 William YounSingapore Conference Hall11 June 2023 Haiou ZhangVictoria Concert Hall4 November 2023Kotaro FukumaVictoria Concert Hall24 March 2023 Dennis MatsuevCapitol Theatre21 November 2023

Chun Chieh YenIlya RashkovskiyGeorge Harliono Ziyu Liu

Experience the Heavenly Sound from Europe.Tender yet Energetic.PIANO CONCERT2024PRESENTED BY : ORGANISED BY : SINGAPORETRUE MUSIC人间TRIUMPH SPIRIT OVER ADVERSITYScarlatti • Ravel • Beethoven • Liszt:地狱与天堂LIU ZIYU刘子钰Scan to purchase tickets or enquire @ (65) 9650 3036 3 November 2024, Sunday • 7:30pmSingapore Conference Hall$18/$38/$58/$78@ TICKETMASTER旅德青年钢琴家世界巡演之新加坡站World Tour 2024–25Piano Recital Singapore 2024FREE admission for ticket holder 持票者入场免费1 November 2024 • 11am–1pm Bechstein Music WorldRegister @ 9650 3036LIU ZIYU'S TALK ON CLASSICAL MUSIC & PASSION刘子钰音乐讲座 : 古典音乐赏析(中文讲解)7 Shenton Way, #02-01 Singapore Conference Hall

BERLIN, 18537 Shenton Way, #02-01 Singapore Conference HallSingapore 068810Bechstein Music World Singaporebechstein_music_world_sg(65) 9650 3036 e C. Bechstein piano sound has fascinated the world with its great beauty and refinement. A masterpiece of perfection with a sound piano lovers have trusted for centuries.华丽典雅的纯净音质，不僅是钢琴发烧友的首选钢琴，也是追求动态，表现力与 挖掘纯净灵魂的钢琴演奏家的梦中钢琴。