Beethoven's Sonatas by Candlelight - 'Moonlight Sonata'

"Matthew Shiel has ‘composed’ a most enchanting concert" (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Edinburgh Guide)

"Sim and Shiel both are masters of their crafts." (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Binge Fringe Magazine)

"Matthew Shiel shone" (⭐⭐⭐⭐Three Weeks)

Sink into your seat and relax as award-winning pianist Matthew Shiel performs Beethoven's most popular, passionate, emotionally raw and technically demanding piano sonatas including his 'Grande Sonata Pathétique' and 'Moonlight' Sonatas - performed by atmospheric candlelight in our special candlelit chapel.

Tonight, this magnificent and historic 19th Century chapel is transformed by moonlight and candlelight into a place of inspiration as we celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest musicians of all time and pay tribute to a true musical icon! Our programme is rounded off with Beethoven's nod to Scotland - it might surprise you Beethoven enjoyed composing Highland dances!

PROGRAMME:

BEETHOVEN

Sonata in C minor (Op.13) - 'Grande Sonata Pathétique'

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor (WoO 59) - 'Für Elise'

Sechs Eccosaisen (WOo 83) - ' Six Scottish Dances'

Sonata quasi una fantasia (Op.27, Nr.2) - 'Moonlight Sonata'

Interesting fact - many sources say that the nickname 'Moonlight Sonata' arose after the German poet Ludwig Rellstab likened the effect of the first movement to that of moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne. Carl Czerny, Beethoven's pupil, described the first movement as "a ghost scene, where out of the far distance a plaintive ghostly voice sounds" and Franz Liszt described the second movement as "a flower between two abysses".

Tonight's Pianist: Matthew Shiel

'Matthew Shiel shone' (Three Weeks) and 'Matthew Shiel 'composed' a most enchanting concert. 5 stars!' (Edinburgh Guide) - reviewers are applauding Matthew for his unique, creative and fresh approach to music performance which push the boundaries of what a piano recital can be. Matthew Shiel is an award-winning concert pianist, Usher Hall and Live Music Now Scotland emerging artist who has performed at Usher Hall, The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, St Gile's Cathedral (Edinburgh), The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (Newcastle) and Glasgow City Halls. Matthew is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has collaborated with festivals including the Åben Festival (Copenhagen), Music at Paxton (Berwick) and a sold-out show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Moonlight

Moonlight is a performing arts company that creates immersive classical music experiences, concerts, shows and exhibitions. It celebrates interdisciplinary collaboration with writers and storytellers, visual artists, dancers and filmmakers (and beyond) to push the boundaries of what a classical concert can be and create the 'performance of the future.'

Our aim is to make classical music appealing to the demands and expectations of a 21st Century audience and make classical music accessible for all.

moonlightconcerts.co.uk

Host or Publisher Matthew Shiel