Upcoming community events

Michael Houstoun introduces his "Masterpiece Concert" with these words: "What is hidden in this music that generation after generation can find joy and meaning in it? How is it that something so ethereal has the strength to survive unreduced by the battering of time? Let me offer what I have found in my lifetime search to answer such questions". Programme: J S Bach: French Overture, BWV 831 Beethoven: Sonata in E, Opus 109 Ravel: Gaspard de le nuit Bach/Busoni: Chaconne The concert opens with Bach's mighty French Overture, one of the longest and most complex of Bach's keyboard suites. The work takes its name from the grand opening movement - an overture in the French baroque style with dramatic dotted rhythms, florid ornamentation and a lengthy spirited fugal section. A procession of delightful dances follows, including the Sarabande, one of Bach's most beautiful slow movements. Beethoven's Opus 109 is the first of the iconic last three sonatas. The opening two movements are surprisingly short but filled with expression and contrast, and even virtuosity in the Prestissimo. The longer third movement is a theme and variations of unparalleled beauty. Ravel wrote of Gaspard de le nuit - "my ambition is to say with notes what a poet says with words". The poet, Aloysius Bertrand, tells in his poems of three very contrasted characters. Ondine is a water sprite whose attempt to lure a mortal into her underwater kingdom is unsuccessful. She sings and weeps in a sparkling atmosphere of shimmering water. Le Gibet could not be more different - it paints a picture of a corpse hanging from the gallows while a distant bell tolls continuously. Finally, Scarbo, a malicious devil, creates a nightmare for his victim. Ravel fully intended this piece to test the limits of any pianist attempting to play it and it is reputed to be one of the most technically challenging pieces in the piano repertooire. Door sales will be available for this concert, or tickets can be bought at Waikanae New World, Moby Dickens in Paraparaumu Beach or by phoning 022 345 5316. Online bookings: visit WMS website.