C. Bechstein Recital Series with Kasparas Mikužis

We are excited to be joined for the first time in our C. Bechstein Centre Manchester recital series by award winning pianist Kasparas Mikužis!

The evening's programme will be:

Rameau

Suite in G (1724)

Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Suite in G is a vivid example of the French Baroque style. The suite features movements that blend both traditional dance forms and character pieces. Rameau’s harmonic inventiveness, intricate ornamentation, and rhythmic vitality showcase his mastery of the harpsichord. Highlights include the lively Menuets, the expressive L’enharmonique, and the playful La Poule, a character piece brimming with energy. The suite demonstrates Rameau’s ability to balance elegance with emotional depth, while pushing the boundaries of harmonic color and virtuosic technique.

Haydn

Piano Sonata No.47 in B minor, Hob. XVI:32 (1776)

Composed in around 1776, Haydn’s sonata is a striking example of his innovative style and emotional nuance. It is one of the few sonatas he wrote in a minor key, which imbues it with a unique, dramatic intensity. The Allegro Moderato has a distinctive, strong character with moments of lyrical melancholy and striking harmonic shifts. The Minuet in B major offers a lighter, elegant contrast, yet retains subtle tension through its chromaticism. The closing Presto returns to the minor key, driven by restless energy and rhythmic vitality. This sonata exemplifies Haydn’s ability to fuse formal clarity with expressive richness, offering a glimpse into the evolving expressive possibilities of the Classical era.

Rachmaninoff

Piano Sonata No.1 (1908)

Rachmaninoff’s 1st piano sonata is a rarely performed but monumental work, unified by recurring motifs. Early performances hinted at a program based on Goethe’s Faust, with each movement representing a character. The first movement, portraying Faust, is filled with tension and existential struggle. Anguished, restless themes dominate, but a chant-like motif eventually emerges, suggesting faith and hope. This leads to a grand climax, though the resolution remains elusive, mirroring Faust’s internal conflict. The second movement, representing Gretchen, is lyrical and tender, marked by its delicate intertwining of melodies. The pastoral opening evokes a sense of innocence, which builds into a more intense yearning, possibly reflecting Gretchen’s love. Trills and complex textures add an ecstatic quality, culminating in a love scene that closes with a duet of voices. The finale introduces Mephistopheles, with a tempestuous and sinister march. A descending dotted rhythm echoes the Dies irae chant, a symbol of death in Romantic music, which Rachmaninoff frequently revisited. The movement builds to a powerful climax, with dramatic, concerto-like textures and heroic moments. However, the ominous presence of the Dies irae suggests an unresolved struggle between good and evil. Rachmaninoff’s Sonata stands as a complex, ambitious piece, drawing on the influence of Liszt while exploring themes of conflict, love, and mortality.

About Kasparas:

Lithuanian-born pianist Kasparas Mikužis has given solo performances at prestigious venues such as Concertgebouw Hall, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, and Wigmore Hall. His live performances have been televised on Mezzo TV and broadcast across Europe. Recent highlights include a concerto appearance with John Wilson and the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, as well as a solo performance at London Fashion Week. Kasparas was invited to give a recital for the Lithuanian and Polish presidents at the presidential palace. Additionally, he has performed alongside actor Ian McKellen, raising funds at a private charity event.

Kasparas works closely with pianist Gabriela Montero and is a scholar at the Imogen Cooper Music Trust, as well as a recital scheme artist at the Countess of Munster Trust. Currently, he is completing his studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Christopher Elton. In recognition of his representation of Lithuania on the international stage, Kasparas was awarded a letter of gratitude by the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

Host or Publisher C. Bechstein Centre Manchester