Music, the universal language, is often said to transcend words, enabling people to commune spiritually beyond the bounds of space and time. But is it really possible to experience music as an abstraction? Can we hear instrumental music without conjuring images, inventing lyrics, or imagining narratives? This Sunday’s solo piano selections beg those questions… Read on for programming details and stay tuned for spoken introductions.
Gathering Music: Adam Kent, piano
Songs without Words ~ Felix Mendelssohn
In E Major, Op. 19, No. 1 “Sweet Remembrances”
In Bb Major, Op. 67, No. 4 “Pilgrims’ Song”
In C Major, Op. 102, No. 3 “Tarantella”
In F# Minor, Op. 30, No. 6 “Venetian Boatsong”
In A Major, Op. 102, No. 5 “The Merry Peasant”
Meditation:
Bruyères (Heather) from Préludes Book II* ~ Claude Debussy
*Note that Debussy places the titles of each of his 24 Preludes after the works, as if they were mere suggestions.
Offertory:
Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI:50 ~ Franz Joseph Haydn
III. Allegro molto
Parting Music:
The Times They Are a-Changin’ ~ Bob Dylan