New York |Yves Henry, Piano Solo.

The Salon de Chopin: A Portrait Through Time

Yves Henry, piano

Program

Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat major, Op. 51Composed in 1842, NohantThis lyrical and fluid work captures Chopin at the height of his maturity, combining elegant spontaneity with structural clarity — a portrait of refined improvisation shaped into perfection.

Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1Composed in 1841, ParisOften considered one of Chopin’s greatest Nocturnes, this piece moves from solemn meditation to dramatic intensity, evoking both the intimacy of the salon and the grandeur of the concert hall.

Valse in A-flat major, Op. 34 No. 1 (“Valse brillante”)Composed in 1835, ParisA dazzling dance that epitomizes Chopin’s gift for blending virtuosity with elegance. This waltz radiates the brilliance and social sparkle of Parisian salon life.

Nocturne in B-flat major, Op. 15 No. 1Composed in 1830–1831, ViennaWritten during Chopin’s early years abroad, this Nocturne alternates between serene lyricism and a restless, storm-like middle section — a reflection of youthful intensity and artistic ambition.

Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39Composed in 1839, Nohant (after Majorca)Emerging from a turbulent period of illness and exile, this Scherzo juxtaposes ferocious energy with moments of luminous beauty, embodying Chopin’s resilience and creative power.

Trois Études, Op. posth.Composed in 1839, Nohant (published posthumously)These studies, lyrical and poetic rather than overtly technical, reveal Chopin’s ability to transform the genre into profound musical expression, where pedagogy meets poetry.

Nocturne in E major, Op. 62 No. 2Composed in 1846, ParisOne of Chopin’s late masterpieces, this expansive Nocturne offers exquisite harmonic richness and introspection — music that seems to look back on a lifetime of artistic refinement.

Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54Composed in 1842, NohantThe most radiant and playful of Chopin’s Scherzos, this work balances brilliance with lyricism, closing the program with a sense of joy and transcendence.

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