The two piano cycles, which contradict each other in musical language, will be played side by side not by coincidence. The musical worlds of Romantic R. Schumann, with his changeable character, impulsive, open emotions, and Impressionist M. Ravel, with his introverted, refined manner, revolve like two different poles. So what prompted the pianist M. Umbrusevičiūtė to play the "Fantastic Pieces" and the "Reflections" in one recital?
When I looked into composers' fields of interest, I found the same thing, an interest in science fiction literature. Inspired by the work of E. A. T Hoffmann and A. Bertrand, they put their imaginations to music in which there is a spirit of duality, a fusion of reality and fantasy. Schumann's expression is very open, unfolding through the characters of the lyrical Eusebius and the rebellious Florestan. Meanwhile, Ravel, dedicating each part of the cycle to like-minded artists, very subtly reflects the inner worlds of his friends. I also read in one of the books Ravel's favourite Shakespeare quote from the drama 'Julius Caesar' - 'The eye sees not itself, but reflects on its surroundings and on others'. I think that reflections in art question the relationship between reality and illusion, and the mirror becomes a bridge between the visible and the mystical world. I believe that every listener will hear their own inner contradictions and reflections in this programme.
This is Milda's second recital at the Magic of Music Club. After presenting the concert "Sounding Water" in spring this year, the pianist has prepared a new programme with the intriguing title "Beyond the Mirror". Her debut at St James's Church in London in October.
MILDA UMBRUSEVIČIŪTĖ received a letter of appreciation from the President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus for her achievements in international competitions. 2011m. Milda graduated from the class of Prof. Halina Radvilaitė and obtained a Master's degree in Performing Arts from the LMTA. Her musical path was enriched by studies at the Sibelius Academy in Finland, master classes with Prof. Mūza Rubackytė, Prof. Petras Geniušas, Prof. Jurgis Karnavičius, Prof. Rokas Zubovas, Prof. Oliver Kern, Prof. Roland Krüger, Prof. Peter Donohoe, etc.
PROGRAMME:
R. Schumann Fantasiestücke Op.12 (“Fantasia pieces”)
I. Des Abends (“In the Evening”)
II. Aufschwung (“Soaring”)
II. Warum (“Why?”)
IV. Grillen (“Whims”)
V. In der Nacht (“In the Night”)
VI. Fabel (“Fable”)
VII. Traumes Wirren (“Dream's Confusion”)
VIII. Ende vom Lied (“End of the song”)
M. Ravel “Miroirs” (“The reflections”)
I. Noctuelles (“Night Moths”)
II. Oiseaux tristes (“Sad Birds“)
III. Une barque sur l’ocean (“A Boat on the Ocean”)
IV. Alborada del gracioso (“The Jester’s Morning Song”)
V. La Valee des Cloches (“The Valley of Bells”)