This will be a special evening where I perform and talk about the transcendent energy of trills in some music I’ve been deeply pondering:
Bach Organ Sonata No. 2 (piano transcription)
Steinberg Water Rays (World Premiere)
Beethoven Piano Sonata in F Minor, op. 57 “Appassionata”
This is a house concert at the home of Stan Harris. No admission, but requested donation.
For reservations, simply email Stan:
seh52@yahoo.com
BIOGRAPHY
Composer Russell Steinberg writes music that reviewers call “freshly lyrical, pulsating, edgy, infectious” and “shimmering with great beauty and energy.” His orchestra tone poem Cosmic Dust was featured in Science News Magazine for the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope and premiered by three orchestras— the New West Symphony, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, and the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra. His Daniel Pearl Foundation commission Stories From My Favorite Planet has received dozens of performances, featuring LA Philharmonic violinist Mitchell Newman and famed actor Theodor Bikel. The Bay Atlantic Symphony programs his Hanukkah fantasy Lights On! annually for its holiday programs.
His recent piano trio Paleface explores the mythology of the American narrative, inspired by paintings of acclaimed New York “psychological pop” artist Jerry Kearns. Its New York premiere in January 2018 was presented by the Neave Trio, followed by a Los Angeles premiere by Trio Accento that is recording it for their debut album. Other recent premieres include Trio for Horn, Violin, and Piano in at San Francisco’s Presidio and Whack-A-Mole USA at the Gesellschaft für Musiktheater in Vienna with double bassist James Rapport. An evening devoted to works of Steinberg and William Kraft was held at Boston Court in Pasadena and featured Brightwork newmusic, one of LA’s top contemporary ensembles.
Steinberg is the conductor and founder of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, a widely-praised ensemble that includes 120 students from over 60 schools. The orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall, in Vienna and Prague, and recently toured Italy. In addition to conducting, Steinberg is a popular pre-concert speaker for both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Santa Monica Symphony. An enthusiastic fan base attends his annual lecture series on various musical topics and composers. Steinberg received a Ph.D. in Music from Harvard University studying with Leon Kirchner, an M.M. from the New England Conservatory studying with Arthur Berger, and a B.A. from UCLA studying with Elaine Barkin. His early instrumental and composition teachers were Dorothy Compinsky (piano, classical guitar, violin), Kenneth Klauss (composition), Earle C. Voorhies (piano), Ron Purcell (classical guitar), and Salome Arkatov (piano).
Information about Steinberg’s music and lectures is available at www.russellsteinberg.com .
PROGRAM
This will be a special evening where I perform and talk about the transcendent energy of trills in three very different piano pieces that use them to quite different effect: Bach’s Organ Sonata No. 2, my new impressionistic piano piece Water Rays, and perhaps Beethoven’s most dramatic piano work—the Appassionata Sonata, op. 57.
Johann Sebastian Bach Organ Sonata No. 2 (piano transcription: Russell Steinberg)
Vivace
Largo
Allegro
Russell Steinberg Water Rays (World Premiere)
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata in F Minor, op. 57 “Appassionata”
Allegro assai
Andante con moto
Allegro ma non troppo
Arrival: 7:30-8 pm Saturday, January 26
Doors close for music: 8 pm
(If you arrive late, please wait for applause between pieces to knock for admission.)
Reception follows.
Donations for the musicians are appreciated!
Stan's Music Parlor
1644 Virginia Rd.
Lafayette Square
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323)646-7524
PLEASE NOTE:
Free parking on a quiet residential street.
Dark steps and uneven gravel path may limit access.
Shoes-free house with wood floors.
No bare feet. Please wear clean thick socks.
Well-behaved minors may attend with parental supervision.
No cell phone or other distractions during performances.
Musicians may record their own performances.
Enjoy healthy vegetarian snacks and beverages.
Alcohol is not provided. BYOB.
Please discard trash in receptacles.
Niko, the outdoor Alaskan malamute, loves attention!
Stanley Harris, MD DLFAPA curates a private Music Parlor concert series. His 1926 home music parlor seats 20 guests and includes a Steinway grand piano, a Johannus-BachMen-Hauptwerk organ and a 19th century Bell & Co. harmonium.
Stan’s Music Parlor is a place where musicians, family and friends may share their love of music and appreciation for each other. So far, over 250 musicians have participated. More than 100 programs are scheduled this year. Annual attendance exceeds 1000.
No fees are charged or paid. Audience members are invited to donate to the musicians and may contribute refreshments.
Patron, James Person, sends donations for musicians even when he is too far away to attend their programs!