Piano Greats - Boris Giltburg plays Chopin and Rachmaninov
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Rhythmic. Monumental. A breathtaking display.
Who’s on stage
Boris Giltburg, making his Glasshouse debut. We’re lucky enough to see him twice this season – he’ll be back with The Hallé in April.
What they’re playing
A feast of music by two composers who were virtuoso pianists themselves – Frédéric Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninov.
Need to know
Price: £22 – £27
Discounts: save if you’re under 17, aged 18 – 30, a group of 10 or more people. Check the details.
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
What you'll hear
Frédéric Chopin Sonata No. 2 (25’)
Frédéric Chopin Ballade No. 4 (12’)
Frédéric Chopin Scherzo No. 4 (11’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in E major Op. 32, No. 3 (3’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in G major Op.32, No. 5 (3’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in G minor Op. 23, No. 5 (4’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in B minor Op. 32, No. 10 (6’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in G-sharp minor Op. 32, No. 12 (3’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Prelude in C minor Op. 23, No. 7 (3’)
Sergei Rachmaninov Sonata No. 2 (1931) (20’)
Who's playing it
Boris Giltburg piano
What's happening in the music?
Rachmaninov’s Preludes focus on rhythm and pattern, at times sounding terse and ominous, while his astounding Second Sonata has a dark emotional intensity running throughout. This dramatic intensity is shared by Chopin’s Second Sonata with his famous Funeral March as the third movement. It must be something about second sonatas that brings out composers’ serious sides.
Take a listen
Chopin: Child Prodigy, Bach fan and Women Troubles
Find out a bit more about Chopin’s colourful life in this entertaining vid uncovering some fun facts about the composer
