Sonata in a Major for Violin and Piano I

Programme In collaboration with pianist Dr Khor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216

I. Allegro II. Adagio III. Rondeau: Allegro - Andante - Allegretto - Allegro

Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) Zigeunerweisen Op. 20

Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (1867-1944) Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23

Faith Wei, violinist

* Intermission (15 min) *

Tomaso Antonio Vitali (1663-1745) Chaconne in G minor

César Franck (1822-1890) Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano I. Allegretto ben moderato II. Allegro III. Recitativo-Fantasia: Ben moderato IV. Allegretto poco mosso

Megan Song, violinist

Biographies Faith Wei’s love for music was first kindled at the age of four, when she started piano lessons at the same time as her brother. At the age of six, she began learning the violin, and hasn’t looked back since. In 2014, then a student of Mr CJ Foo at Edvox Music School, she completed her ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction. In 2015, she left Edvox Music School and continued her learning journey under the tutelage of Ms Lee Shi Mei.

In 2018, Faith obtained her DipABRSM Music Performance Diploma with a Certificate of Distinction. That same year, she participated in the Singapore Music Teachers’ Association Festival and attained the Gold award. From 2016 to 2019, she was a member of her school’s Music Elective Programme and String Ensemble, serving as second violin principal in the String Ensemble from 2018 to 2019.

Faith continues to share her passion for music through performances in church, weddings, concerts, as well as in recitals. She is currently

preparing for her Licentiate of Trinity College London Music Performance Diploma.

Megan Song started her violin journey at the age of three with Ms Sylvia Khoo. She attained Distinction in the Associate of Trinity College London Diploma (Performance) in 2016.

An active member of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Megan has performed at the Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade Concert Hall. She was concertmaster of the Singapore National Youth Sinfonia from July to December 2018. As a student, she served the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School String Ensemble as both chairperson and concertmistress from 2018 to 2019, and second violin principal from 2017 to 2018.

Megan is currently under the tutelage of Ms Lee Shi Mei. She enjoys making music with her sisters and is privileged to be able to share her love for music through performances in church, weddings and other community events.

Programme Notes Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mozart was just 19 when he composed a set of five violin concertos, the only violin concertos he wrote in his entire lifetime. Concerto No. 3 in G Major consists of three contrasting movements: Allegro, Adagio and Rondeau. The Allegro opens with a cheery theme and ventures into darker minor harmonies, before finishing with a solo violin cadenza. Described by esteemed musicologist Alfred Einstein as seeming “to have fallen straight from heaven”, the Adagio is an elegant display of softer, warmer textures. Written in Rondo form, the final movement Rondeau explores episodes using the minor key as well as an entrancing serenade.

Zigeunerweisen Op. 20 - Pablo de Sarasate Published in 1878, Zigeunerweisen, or ‘Gypsy Airs’, remains one of Sarasate’s most popular compositions to date. The piece embodies

elements of Roma melodies and Hungarian Gyspy songs with an unabashed display of virtuosic violin techniques. A recitative-like introduction gives way to a more lyrical, mournful central section, before rapid runs conclude the piece with resounding finale.

Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 - Amy Beach A widely acclaimed composer of the late Romantic period, Amy Marcy Cheney Beach was the first American female in history to have her own symphony composed and published. A music prodigy since childhood, Beach was largely self-taught and overcame many barriers in order to win recognition in the male-dominated music industry. Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 displays Beach’s flair for beautiful, original melodic lines.

Chaconne in G minor - Tomaso Antonio Vitali Composed in 1705-ca. 1745, it is still unclear if Vitali composed or even played a part in the composition of this piece, as the Chaconne is vastly different from his other works in terms of style. The Chaconne has reckless key changes, reaching keys such as B-flat minor and E-flat minor, which were uncommon in the Baroque era. The grand theme of G minor was largely altered and made to be increasingly virtuosic as the variations progressed. The edition that is performed tonight was transcribed by Leopold Charlier in 1911.

Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano - César Franck Written in 1886, Franck’s Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano was a wedding gift to Belgian violinist Eugène-Auguste Ysaÿe. The Sonata has now become an important work in the violinist’s repertoire. Described by Vincent d’Indy (French composer and pupil of Franck) as "the first and purest model of the cyclical use of themes in

sonata form”, one hears Franck’s beautiful motifs interwoven in all four movements of the work.

The first movement Allegretto ben moderato contains sweet melodies which serve as the thematic foundation of the entire sonata. The second movement Allegro is tempestuous in nature, often switching between diabolical phrases and singing melodies. The third movement Recitativo-Fantasia: Ben moderato is fantasy-like, while the last movement Allegretto poco mosso is a canonic imitation between the violin and the piano, which eventually transforms into a jubilant ending.

Our Beneficiary

St. Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) is a non-profit organisation for the education, training, and care of persons with autism and their families. SAAC supports and equips families and caregivers with members with autism with knowledge and skills through a range of family services, including parent support and networking. SAAC engages in public education, advocacy and community outreach with the vision for an inclusive society. Please visit saac.org.sg for more information.

Acknowledgements We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the following people:

Our teacher, Ms Lee Shi Mei, for her dedication and invaluable guidance in preparation for this recital;

Dr Cherie Khor for her time and patience throughout every rehearsal;

SAAC personnel Michelle and Rachel for their assistance in administrative matters;

The Music Platform for the beautiful venue;

Our parents for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey; and

Last but not least, our wonderful audience for the opportunity to share our love for music with you :)