Celebrate a Romantic birthday in Moline

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The legendary Romantic Fryderyk Chopin will be honored in a birthday concert this Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m., at the Sound Conservatory, 504 17th St., Moline.

The timeless elegance of Chopin’s compositions will be brought to life by Sound Conservatory pianists Alex Gilson, Clara Nielsen, and Andrzej Kozlowski, plus flutist Paul Mizzi.

March 6 performers will be flutist Paul Mizzi, left, and pianists Alex Gilson, Clara Nielsen and Andrzej Kozlowski.
March 6 performers will be flutist Paul Mizzi, left, and pianists Alex Gilson, Clara Nielsen and Andrzej Kozlowski.

“Renowned for his unparalleled mastery of the piano, Chopin’s compositions are characterized by their unparalleled emotional depth, exquisite lyricism, and technical brilliance,” says a Sound Conservatory event release. “From the ethereal beauty of his nocturnes to the dazzling virtuosity of his études, Chopin’s music traverses a vast spectrum of human emotions, captivating listeners with its profound expressiveness and timeless allure.

“Chopin’s significance extends far beyond his remarkable musical prowess; his innovative approach to harmony, structure, and pianistic technique revolutionized the landscape of classical music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre that continues to resonate to this day,” the release says of the composer born March 1, 1810.

“His compositions, infused with the spirit of Polish folk music and imbued with a sense of national identity, not only captured the essence of his homeland but also transcended cultural boundaries, earning him universal acclaim and admiration.”

In his brief life (Chopin died in 1849), his “music served as a powerful medium of personal expression, reflecting his own tumultuous experiences and innermost emotions,” Sound Conservatory said. “From the hauntingly introspective Ballades to the impassioned grandeur of the Polonaises, each of Chopin’s works bears the imprint of his singular artistic vision, inviting listeners on a profound and deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

“Beyond his immense contributions to the world of classical music, Chopin’s enduring influence continues to inspire generations of musicians, composers, and music enthusiasts alike,” the release says. “His compositions remain staples of the piano repertoire, cherished for their unparalleled beauty, technical challenges, and profound emotional resonance.”

The Wednesday program will feature:

  • Grand Waltz, Op. 34, No. 1 (Andrzej Kozlowski, piano)

  • Variations for Flute and Piano in E major (Paul Mizzi, Andrzej Kozlowski)

  • Nocturne in G major, Op. 37, No. 2 (Clara Nielsen, piano)

  • Impromptus 1, 2, and 3, and Fantaisie-Impromptu in C# minor (Alex Gilson, piano)

  • Polonaise Op. 53 in A flat major, “Heroic” (Kozlowski)

The performance will be held using a concert grand that has been specially tuned in the Thomas Young No. 1 tuning temperament — which was the standard tuning method used during Chopin’s lifetime, giving audiences a closer look into what his music was meant to sound like.

Tickets are $10 to $50, available HERE.

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