The Faculty Artist Recital on March 20 starred Hong Wang on the cello and Ian Shapinsky on the piano. The two played four pieces and then came back on for a short fifth song. The first composition was Sonata in D Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102, No. 2 and had three movements. The second piece by Schumann was Adagio and Allegro for Cello and Piano, Op. 70. The third song was composed by Frederic Chopin entitled Introduction and Polonaise Brillante for Cello and Piano, Op. 3. There was a short break and then Hong and Ian came back for their fourth song. The fourth song had four movements and was called Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 19 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Once they ended there was much applause and so they came back on stage for a short with song.
This performance relates to last semester in honors when I learned about the ways of knowing. The recital is an example of the aesthetic and emotion ways of knowing. Aesthetics is a way to express the inexpressible. It is created and interpreted by humans and almost always invoke some sort of emotion. The performance was a material way of expression through the means of music. Emotion is also a way of knowing and is usually present in everything. Aesthetics and emotion go hand in hand a lot and work together to create an experience for humans.
I really enjoyed the performance. My favorite piece was Introduction and Polonaise Brillante for Cello and Piano, Op. 3. I liked the intricate lines between the cello and piano. I also enjoyed the low bass parts that the cello played. I love listening to string instruments. Hong and Ian played with so much enthusiasm that it was very exciting. The performance was very enjoyable as I thought it would. I enjor listening to string instruments and the piano was an added bonus.
Alex,
Thanks for the detailed list of the program and thoughtful insights.
Dr. Schuler