Costas Fotopoulos’ piano recital begins with two giants of the Baroque era, both born in 1685: three highly original harpsichord sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti are followed by the sixth of the Partitas composed for keyboard by J. S. Bach. Published in 1731 and consisting of seven movements encompassing a wide variety of emotions, it is arguably Bach’s greatest suite.
The recital’s second half opens with two rich and highly expressive works by Chopin: the second of his Op. 62 set of Nocturnes and one his last as well as one of his greatest and most popular pieces: the First Ballade in G minor. Fotopoulos will then perform his own Hommage à Chopin, composed as a tribute to the great master, before performing two of Granados’ wonderful Twelve Spanish Dances inspired by the folk music of his native country.
The recital will end with a fiendish transcription of three movements from Stravinsky’s electrifying Firebird Suite. Transcribed by Guido Agosti, it is dedicated to the memory of his teacher – the pianist and composer Ferruccio Busoni.
