Gaspard Thomas Performs Chopin and Szymanowski Piano Recital

Pianist Gaspard Thomas presents a recital juxtaposing works by Frédéric Chopin and Karol Szymanowski, two composers linked by a shared musical heritage and a preoccupation with memory. The performance explores their creative evolution, with particular emphasis on the mazurka form, which the program notes describe as bridging the two composers through emotional affinity and a common artistic essence. The program opens with Chopin's Polonaise-fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61, followed by an alternating sequence of mazurkas: Chopin's Mazurka in E major, Op. 6 No. 3; Szymanowski's Mazurka in B-flat major, Op. 50 No. 4; Chopin's Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 30 No. 4; Szymanowski's Mazurka in A minor, Op. 50 No. 11; Chopin's Mazurka in C major, Op. 56 No. 2; and Szymanowski's Mazurka in B-flat major, Op. 50 No. 6. The second half features Szymanowski's Métopes, Op. 29, a triptych of movements titled "L'Île des Sirènes," "Calypso," and "Nausicaa," and concludes with his Variations in B-flat minor, Op. 3. The event is presented as a partner event of Club Artistik Rezo, with the source material originating from a press release. Szymanowski (1882–1937), a Polish composer known for his sensitive and bold musical language, is regarded as one of the most authentic heirs to Chopin's (1810–1849) pianistic and musical world. The recital highlights their shared attraction to remembrance and the ineffable voice of the soul.