The next Eastman Faculty Artist Series performance is tomorrow evening, October 8, at 8 p.m. in Hatch Hall, and will feature Natalya Antonova, Professor of Piano. Antonova will be giving a solo recital of music by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) in celebration of the 205th anniversary of the composer’s birth year.
The program includes Chopin’s Rondo in C Minor, Op. 1, his Nocturne in A-flat Major, Op. 32, No. 2, twelve of his twenty-two Preludes, his Nocturne in F Major, Op. 15, No. 1, his Fantasie in F Minor, Op. 49, and finally, the Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22.
I had the opportunity to talk with Professor Antonova about the repertoire, her recital preparation and her plans for her upcoming sabbatical next semester.
JF: What inspired you to give a recital of all Chopin music? Have you given similar performances (all music by one composer)?
NA: Pianists are blessed to have a composer who dedicated his genius to our instrument. Chopin music is loved by audiences all over the world. Yes, I have played many recitals dedicated to one composer: Beethoven (multiple recitals!), Schubert, Brahms, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich.
JF: Please tell us about the music on your program. Why did you program each work and what do you think the listener will enjoy most from each piece?
NA: I chose the Rondo, op. 1 because it is filled with youthful excitement, and yet already has features that we find in Chopin’s mature works. I chose Fantasie as an example of later Chopin (although sadly, “later Chopin” is a young man in his thirties). And I chose Preludes because I believe they are Chopin’s best work. These preludes demonstrate about all of the composer’s possible emotions and also his spiritual world.
JF: What are your relationships with or opinions of Chopin’s music, overall?
NA: All I can say, I feel so excited when I perform his music.
JF: Could you tell us about your recital preparation process?
NA: With an exception of Nocturnes, I have played all these pieces during my lifetime. It is extremely difficult to combine teaching and practicing. The Fall Break really helps!
JF: I understand that you will be on sabbatical for part of the Spring 2016 semester. Do you wish to share any exciting plans for your academic leave?
NA: I do have an exciting plan for my sabbatical: I am going to visit as many of my former students as I can who are now professors at other colleges and universities. I want to see how they are doing and will be giving master classes and recitals for their schools.
— John Fatuzzo