HAO RAO Piano Recital Singapore 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Rao Hao is more than the story of China’s national pride, he is the rising star of the new generation of pianists, as well as the pillar to bridge between Chinese heritage and Western classical music.Born in 2004, has won acclaim for his extraordinary interpretive maturity, distinctive sound and poetic sensibility as the ﬁnalist of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition in 2021. “He has been manifesting his naturally charming talent since his ﬁrst round.” observed one commentator after Hao Rao’s performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Finals of the Chopin Competition, where he emerged as the youngest ﬁnalist to attain the Honourable Mention Award.Raised in the mountainside city of Jishou, China, Rao Hao began piano lessons at the age of 4, and at 8, he would spend 32 hours commuting weekly to Guangzhou to study under Dr. Vivian Li , Professor at Xinghai Conservatory of Music. Today, he is a college sophomore at the Xinghai Conservatory. Hao's impressive combination of virtuosity and passionate musicality has garnered him major prizes in China and internationally, including the Krainev Competition in Russia and the Ettlingen Competition in Germany. Rao Hao is now one of the most sought-after rising star pianists of the new generation. Hao has amassed an extensive performance repertoire on the global stage that belies his age. He has been heard in Asia, Europe and North America performing solo, as well as with internationally-acclaimed orchestras including China NCPA Orchestra and the Warsaw Philharmonic. In the 2023 - 2024 season, Hao will present the complete works of Chopin’s Four Ballades, 27 Etudes and Liszt’s 12 Transcendental Etudes in over 60 cities worldwide. Hao’s Debut album “Chopin Recital” , released in 2022 by NCPA Classics scored “Best Piano Album of the Year” in China’s 18th “Hi-Fi Album Awards. Besides piano, Hao’s diverse interests include opera, ballet, pop culture, culinary delight and roller coaster rides.Hao Rao ravishingly sang out the Andante spianato, while the sparkle and élan of his Polonaise elicited hearty and much-deserved applause. -Jed Distler, Gramophone e phenomenally talented young Hao Rao, proved that you don’t have to be born on the Vistula to understand Chopin. - Anna S. Debowska, Wyborcza

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2021年10月，年仅17岁的饶灏在波兰华沙举行的第十八届肖邦国际钢琴比赛中获得决赛荣誉奖，引起国内外的高度关注。饶灏在三轮比赛中发挥出色且稳定，最终闯入决赛，与与波兰指挥家安德瑞·博雷科（Andrey Boreyko）及华沙爱乐乐团演奏了肖邦《e小调第一钢琴协奏曲》。波兰音乐学家、肖邦大赛特邀评论员杨·波皮斯（Jan Popis）在听了饶灏在肖邦大赛中演奏之后写到：“这位17岁的中国人展现了他天生迷人的才华。他的演奏很有诗意，连音弹得很美。……他是一个伟大的天才。” 饶灏2004年出生在湖南吉首市，土家族人士，四岁开始学钢琴，很早就显露出天赋。他八岁开始师从星海音乐学院钢琴系副教授李穗荣博士至今。现为星海音乐学院钢琴系大二学生，星海音乐学院“拔尖特殊人才培养计划”培养对象。肖赛归来的短短两年间，饶灏演奏足迹遍布了法国，英国, 波兰, 意大利，德国、丹麦、美国和中国五十多个城市，其中包括在著名国家大剧院国际钢琴系列、美国波士顿乔登大厅、意大利博洛尼亚音乐季、巴黎科尔托音乐厅、华沙弗雷德里克音乐厅、Zelazowa Wola肖邦故居系列音乐会等著名地标举行独奏音乐会，多次与国家大剧院管弦乐团、广州交响乐团、深圳交响乐团、贵阳交响乐团、中国乐派交响乐团、奥地利萨尔兹堡室内乐团、宁波交响乐团、沈阳交响乐团、长沙交响乐团以及指挥家吕嘉、张国勇、林大叶，范焘，邵恩、陈琳、景焕、刘明、胡咏言等合作协奏曲。饶灏在世界各地的许多演出一票难求，在过去一年之间带着肖邦《四首叙事曲》、肖邦《27首练习曲》、李斯特《超技练习曲十二首》等大型作品全集巡演，获得一致好评。波兰著名乐评人扬·波皮斯在饶灏华沙独奏会后写到：“如果可能，比赛的结果应该被修正……这位年轻的中国人演奏的肖邦《四首叙事曲》完全征服了我。”“肖邦比赛”的官方社交媒体评论到：“在饶灏指下的肖邦，让心跳得更快了。……我们可以追踪这位年轻人的发展，他还在成长。无疑，肖邦将成为他的保留曲目。” 意大利著名乐评人在饶灏肖邦故居独奏会后写到：“饶灏诠释的肖邦有着贵族般永恒之美。” 波士顿《音乐情报》赞赏道：”…来自肖赛决赛者的超凡炫技演奏，饶灏青春洋溢和令人喜悦无比的演奏风格证明了这次音乐会有着不可抗拒的魅力。” 饶灏在校期间其余主要获奖包括囊括珠江·恺撒堡、施坦威及北京星海杯这三大国内重要赛事的专业组全国总决赛的第一名。美国E-Piano国际钢琴比赛青年组获得第二名；美国吉娜·巴考尔、丹麦奥胡斯、珠海莫扎特国际钢琴比赛获得第三名；同时在俄罗斯克莱涅夫、德国埃特林根、北京肖邦等世界瞩目的国际比赛中屡屡获大奖，成绩斐然。2019年在著名美国范·克莱本国际青少年大赛中，饶灏的现场演奏被国际乐评评论为：“集高贵的歌唱性和超凡技术的浪漫主义演奏风格。”饶灏2019至2022连续四年入选专为世界顶尖音乐天才少年而设的著名加拿大晨兴音乐桥。饶灏的首张个人CD专辑《肖邦独奏会》由NCPA Classics(国家大剧院唱片公司)于2022年出版发行，获得第18届Hi-Fi Album Awards 2022“年度最佳钢琴演奏专辑奖”。在课余时间，饶灏热衷于看歌剧，芭蕾舞剧，研究流行文化，唱歌，品尝美食，以及坐过山车。Gramophone, UK

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Presenting an all-Chopin program is a remarkable feat for any pianist. Twenty-year-old Hao Rao will make his debut recital in Singapore with an all-Chopin program, a testament to his heartfelt dedication to his beloved composer. e recital will be an extraordinary showcase of Chopin's musical heritage, unveiling a world of pure poetry and beauty.Delve into Chopin’s evocative Mazurkas, intricate Etudes, exhilarating Scherzos, and captivating Ballades. Hao will present the nobility of Chopin's spirit in completely new dimensions.Experience Hao’s artistry as he interprets Chopin on the Kayserburg concert grand piano; meticulously prepared by craftsmen of Guangzhou, China, blending German expertise, characterised by refreshing sensitivity and mature elegance.In the spirit of celebrating the 75th Anniversary of China’s National Day, Hao Rao will also perform the tribute piece “My Motherland.”呈现一场全肖邦曲目对任何钢琴家来说都是一项了不起的壮举。20岁的饶灏将在新加坡举办首场独奏会，他将演奏全肖邦曲目来表达他对肖邦的深爱与真挚奉献。这场独奏会将是肖邦音乐遗产的一次非凡展示，即将揭开一个纯粹的诗与美的世界。深入研究肖邦令人回味的《玛祖卡舞曲》、错综复杂的练习曲、令人振奋的谐谑曲和迷人的叙事曲。饶灏将以全新的维度呈现肖邦精神的高贵，包括温柔的抒情、明显的脆弱、刺耳的力量和精致的情感强度。饶灏将用由中国广州师傅们与德国专家精心调制的恺撒堡大钢琴演奏，此钢琴具有非凡的艺术气质与生命力，加上饶灏与生俱来的青春魅力，双剑合璧演绎肖邦的灵魂，将展现一股清流、丰沛、感性……优雅与高贵兼具。为庆祝中国国庆75周年，饶灏还将演奏对祖国致敬曲目《我的祖国》。饶灏的才华与对肖邦作品的精通，将为您带来一场难忘的钢琴音乐之夜。HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024ABOUT THE RECITAL

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HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME My Motherland 《我的祖国》(4’25”)Four Mazurkas Op.30 (8’45’’)Scherzo No.3 in C-sharp Minor, Op.39 (7’45’’)Andante Spianato Et Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op.22 (12’40”)12 Etudes Op.25 (29’50’’)Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op.52 (11’45’’)For a comfortable recital experience:Latecomers will only be admitted at suitable intervals Switch your devices to Airplane ModeDo not clap between movementsRemain silentZHANG ZHAO 张朝（1964 - ）F.CHOPIN (1810 - 1849)F.CHOPIN (1810 - 1849)INTERMISSION• No. 1 in A-ﬂat major (‘Aeolian Harp’)• No. 2 in F minor (‘e Bees’)• No. 3 in F major (‘e Horseman’)• No. 4 in A minor (‘Paganini’)• No. 5 in E minor (‘Wrong Note’)• No. 6 in G-sharp minor (‘Double irds’)• No. 7 in C-sharp minor (‘Cello’)• No. 8 in D-ﬂat major (‘Sixths’)• No. 9 in G-ﬂat major (‘Butterﬂy’)• No. 10 in B minor (‘Octave’)• No. 11 in A minor (‘Winter Wind’)• No. 12 in C minor (‘Ocean’)I. Andante Spianato in G Major II. Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-ﬂat Major• Mazurka Op.30 No.1 In C minor• Mazurka Op.30 No.2 In B minor• Mazurka Op.30 No.3 In D major• Mazurka Op.30 No.4 In C# minor*Programme subject to change at the artist’s discretion.Total program duration approximately 80 minutes. ere will be a 15 minutes intermission.

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《我的祖国》My Motherland 张朝 Zhang Zhao (1964 - )"My Motherland," with lyrics by Qiao Yu and music composed by Liu Chi is a patriotic song and the theme song of the ﬁlm "Battle on Shangganling Mountain." Both Qiao Yu and Liu Chi have been renowned for their proliﬁc songwriting since the 1950s. It continues to be a widely recognized and beloved patriotic anthem in mainland China and serves as the hallmark song for the renowned operatic soprano, Guo Lanying.is is an outstanding lyrical song that profoundly expresses strong patriotic sentiments. e ﬁrst part of the song, in a lyrical soprano form, conveys a surge of homesickness, overﬂowing with sweet melodies, as if one can see the beautiful scenery of the motherland's rivers and ﬁelds. e latter part, in mixed chorus form, contrasts sharply with the previous section, singing out the theme of "this is our beautiful motherland" with passionate vigor and grandeur. HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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谐谑曲作品39Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39 肖邦 F. Chopin (1810 - 1849)Chopin’s four scherzos are often linked with his four ballades, com-posed around the same time. ese works are large-scale, independent pieces that go beyond the usual classical style in terms of expression and technique. Chopin's Scherzo No. 3 is famously associated with Chopin’s legendary winter in Mallorca during 1838/39, where he composed it in the abandoned monastery of Valldemossa on the Balearic island of Majorca, completing it in France in 1839. e third scherzo is noted to be the most ironic and tightly constructed of the four scherzi, exuding a Beethovenian grandeur. anks to Adolf Gutmann, one of Chopin's students—who was known for his remarkable strength, reportedly able to punch a hole in a table—the main theme reﬂects this inspiration. is masterpiece is marked by its dissonance, particularly evident at the beginning, where the octaves can sound harsh and uncompromising. Additionally, a contrasting section features a choir-like melody that may evoke the religious chants heard at the Valldemossa monastery where Chopin stayed. As the piece progresses, its complexity intensiﬁes, with the octaves creating a heightened sense of excitement, standing out as one of Chopin's most daring artistic achievements. It concludes in a major key, leaving the listener with a positive and uplifting impression.HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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4首玛祖卡舞曲作品30Four Mazurkas Op.30 肖邦 F. Chopin (1810 - 1849)e mazurka, like the polonaise, has its deep roots in Polish folk traditions and dance. Named after the Mazurs from Mazovia near Warsaw, it evolved from a folk dance in Polish villages before gaining popularity in the ballrooms of Europe. Notably, Chopin, who published 41 mazurkas throughout his life, is celebrated as the foremost mastert of this dance. In fact, his fascination with the mazurka is evident in these works, which span his entire life from 1820 until his death in 1849.Mazurka No. 1 in C minor opens the set with a piece inspired by the kujawiak dance. It is characterized by its modest, ﬂeeting nature and expressive use of tempo rubato, capturing a sense of introspective reﬂection.Mazurka No. 2 in B minor is a delicate miniature, lasting just over a minute. It features a distinctive dynamic play between piano and forte and ends unexpectedly in F-sharp minor, leaving the piece in an open form. Chopin’s playful side is evident in a passage where the same phrase is repeated eight times, with subtle variations, reminiscent of a cuckoo’s call.Mazurka No. 3 in D-ﬂat major stands out for its more expansive and noble character. e piece begins and ends with a harmonious two-part song, conveying a sense of pride and grandeur, but also moving through moments of doubt and restlessness. e D-ﬂat major Mazurka evokes memories, shifting between cheerful and nostalgic tones as it alternates between major and minor keys.Mazurka No. 4 in C-sharp minor is perhaps the most emotionally intense of the set. It starts softly (sotto voce) before gradually building into new themes that range from contemplative to ecstatic.e ﬁnal bars, with their bold descending harmonies, were soothing yet surprising, much like Gautier’s red waistcoat shocked audiences at Hernani during Chopin’s time. HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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第四号叙事曲 • 作品52Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op.52 肖邦 F. Chopin (1810 - 1849)Chopin's Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52, written between 1842 and 1843, stands as one of his most profound and technically demanding compositions. Dedicated to Baroness Rothschild, a signiﬁcant ﬁgure in Chopin's life who introduced him to the elite circles of Parisian salon culture, this piece could be perceived as an acknowledgment of her role in Chopin’s musical journey.e Ballade No. 4 traverses an expansive emotional landscape, from heroic declarations to moments of tender lyricism, ultimately culminating in a ﬁery and tumultuous coda. Many pianists consider it the most challenging of Chopin's ballades, both in terms of technical execution and emotional depth. As John Ogdon famously remarked, this ballade is "the most exalted, intense, and sublimely powerful" of all Chopin's works, encapsulating the experience of a lifetime within its twelve-minute duration.Alfred Cortot suggests that the ballade was inspired by Adam Mickiewicz's poem e ree Budrys, which narrates the journey of three brothers in search of treasure and their return with brides instead. is literary connection further enriches the narrative quality of the piece, which has been celebrated as a supreme achievement in the ballade genre, evoking both an experienced reality and an idealized, imagined world.HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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第四号叙事曲 • 作品52Andante Spianato Et Grande Polonaise Brillante,Op.22 肖邦 F. Chopin (1810 - 1849)e Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-ﬂat was originally composed for piano and orchestra by Chopin in Vienna in 1830, just before he moved to Paris. It wasn’t until 1834 or 1835 in Paris that Chopin added the introduction, an Andante Spianato in G major for solo piano. Some critics argue that the Andante Spianato and the Polonaise do not suit each other due to their contrasting styles. However, this stark contrast is what seems to connect the two parts. In 1838, the orchestral polonaise was adapted into a solo piano arrangement, which is widely recognized today.e Andante Spianato has the character of both a nocturne and a lullaby. It begins with a lovely melody in the higher notes, clearly capturing the essence of Romanticsm. Like many of Chopin's works, there is a touch of sadness in its beauty. e word "spianato," meaning "smoothed" or "even", suggests a sense of calm without agitation or anxiety. is gives an idea of the music's overall feeling of a harmonious moonlit night or a serene landscape with a reﬂective lake.is dreamy atmosphere only fades when Polonaise is introduced. e main theme of the Polonaise blends a lively and energetic melody with a touch of elegance—traits that deﬁne a brilliant dance style. is principal theme is developed by a complementary theme ﬁlled with harmony and playfulness. When the main theme returns, it takes on a more nocturne-like quality and the piece ends with an impressive coda. e ﬁnal result is a work of grand style, showcasing exceptional virtuosity and published as "Grande Polonaise Brillante in E ﬂat major, Op. 22, preceded by the Andante spianato”.HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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12首练习曲 • 作品2512 Etudes Op.25 肖邦 F. Chopin (1810 - 1849)Chopin's achievement with his two sets of Études, Op. 10 and Op. 25, published in 1833 and 1837, stands as a remarkable milestone in music history. He was the ﬁrst to transform technical exercises into such exceptional musical heights. e Etudes, Op. 25 are more than just practice pieces; they are character-driven works, rich in tension and perfectly crafted for the concert stage. In these etudes, Chopin elevated the form from mere technical drills to true artistic masterpieces, blending challenging techniques with profound musical expression—a lifelong endeavor for pianists to fully master.Named after Aeolus, the Keeper of the Winds in Greek mythology, Etude No.1 (‘Aeolian Harp’) evokes the sound of a harp, with the right hand moving swiftly across the keys to create a shim-mering eﬀect reminiscent of a gentle breeze—delicate and ﬂowing. Etude No.2 (‘e Bees’) features a rapid, buzzing motion with chromatic runs, mimicking a bee darting from ﬂower to ﬂower. Following Etude No.3 (‘e Horseman’), this étude is known for its galloping rhythm, alternates between lyrical and energetic styles. Etude No.4 (‘Paganini) is a tribute to the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini, this étude demands dexterity and precision with its intricate passages and dazzling runs. Etude No.5 (‘Wrong Note’), despite its humorous nickname, every "wrong" note in this étude is deliberately chosen by Chopin. e opening is ﬁlled with minor second intervals, creating a dissonant sound that resolves into a more lyrical theme with major seconds. Etude No.6 (‘Double irds’) is renowned for its consistent use of thirds in the right hand, with its most prominent feature is the tone colouring. Etude No. 7 (‘Cello’) explores the range of the cello with a deeply lyrical melody in the left hand, reminiscent of a cello line. Etude No.8 (‘Sixths‘) emphasizes the interval of a sixth, presenting continuous sixth-note runs in both hands. Etude No.9 (‘Butterﬂy’) requires the right hand with rapid leaps and a delicate touch to mimic the graceful ﬂight of a butterﬂy —light and ﬂuttering piece. Etude No.10 (‘Octave’) is a study of octave, this stormy and passionate étude challenges the pianist with large stretches and rapid octave passages. Etude No.11 (‘Winter Wind’) is known for its dramatic intensity, features relent-less right-hand arpeggios that sweep across the keyboard like a gusting storm while the left hand carries the melody with strength and clarity. e ﬁnal étude of the set, Etude No.12 (‘Ocean’),-captures the turbulent movement of waves through its sweeping arpeggios and grand, cascading chords. It builds to a triumphant conclusion, evoking a powerful storm at sea and then resolving with calmness, like the sea after a storm.HAO RAO PIANO RECITAL SINGAPORE 2024PROGRAMME NOTES

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Kayserburg_Music_School_SGKayserburg_Music_School_SG新加坡珠江恺撒堡钢琴艺廊At the heart of every Kayserburg piano lies the dedication and skill of Chinese piano craftsmen, whose meticulous work brings these expertly made pianos from Guangzhou Pearl River to the global stage. With nearly a century of unwavering passion and the expertise of resident German engineers, Kayserburg has become the world's largest piano manufacturer and the original piano maker for numerous leading brands from Europe to America.e Kayserburg Concert Grand Piano Sound: Enchanting ears, inspiring souls.恺撒堡钢琴：来自广州珠江人，传承着近百年的制琴经验，再加上全职德国专家驻厂指导，不但是当今世界最大钢琴厂，也是许多欧美大琴品牌的合作生产基地。恺撒堡世界级演凑会钢琴：音色、质感令人着迷！PEARL RIVER-KAYSERBURG GALLERY 新加坡珠江.恺撒堡钢琴艺廊70 Stamford Road, #B1-46 SMU Li Ka Shing Library BuildingSingapore 178901 • Tel: 69510632 / 87660632

HAO RAO Piano Recital Singapore 2024

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