Brigham Young University, Provo The School of Music
presents
Leandro Balderrama Violin in Non-Required Recital Student of Monte Belknap with
David Kim, piano
Matthew Bailey, violoncello
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Recital Hall (Music Building ) 7:30 P.M. PROVO, UTAH
Cantabile, MS 109
PROGRAM
Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840)
Zapateado, Op 23, No. 2
Romance, Op 23
Pampeana No. 1
Rhapsody for Violin and Piano
Ha rvest Hymn
5 MINUTES INTERMISSION
Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Amy Beach (1867-1944)
Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983)
Café Music Trio
Allegro
Andante Moderato
Presto
Percy Grainger (1882-1961)
Paul S choenfeld (1947-2024)
Primavera Porteña Astor Piazzola (1921-1992)
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Recital Hall (Music Building ) 7:30 P.M.
PROVO, UTAH
PROGRAM NOTES
Niccolo Paganini Cantabile, MS 109
Paganini is often remembered as the great virtuoso who dazzled Europe with his technical brilliance, but Cantabile shows a gentler side of his artistry. Written in the spirit of Italian bel canto singing, the piece invites the violin to “sing” in long, expressive lines.
The title literally means “singable,” and that is the heart of the music: a simple, lyrical melody shaped with warmth and breath. For me, this piece is a reminder that Paganini’s genius wasn’t only about freworks it was also about beauty, elegance, and the voice hidden inside the violin.
Pablo de Sarasate — Zapateado, Op. 23 No. 2
Sarasate was trained in the refned French violin tradition, but his own music is full of Spanish color and personality. Zapateado is based on a lively Andalusian dance known for its fast, rhythmic footwork.
The violin imitates that percussive energy with left hand pizzicatos, harmonics, and rapid passages that sparkle like the steps of a dancer. It’s a joyful, virtuosic showpiece and performing it feels like stepping into the role of the dancer myself, full of rhythm and fair.
Amy Beach — Romance, Op. 23
Amy Beach was one of the frst major American composers, and she achieved this at a time when women were rarely given space in the classical world. Her Romance is tender and heartfelt, full of long, singing lines that feel both intimate and quietly passion ate.
The violin and piano share the melody like two voices in conversation equal, responsive, and deeply connected. I love the sense of warmth and sincerity in this piece; it feels like a personal declaration set to music.
Alberto Ginastera — Pampeana No. 1
Ginastera is one of Argentina’s most iconic composers, and Pampeana No. 1 captures the spirit of the Pampas the vast grasslands that shaped so much of the country’s folk tradition.
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Recital Hall (Music Building ) 7:30 P.M. PROVO, UTAH
He blends folk rhythms and gestures with modern harmonies, creating music that feels earthy, raw, and dreamlike at the same time. This rhapsody moves between wild energy and quiet introspection, almost like a landscape coming to life.
Percy Grainger — Harvest Hymn
Grainger had a wonderfully imaginative musical voice, and Harvest Hymn shows his gift for glowing harmony and simple, heartfelt melody. Originally written using his “elastic scoring” technique meaning it could be played by many diferent combinations of instruments the piece centers on a gentle tune surrounded by rich, luminous chords.
To me, it feels like a moment of stillness and gratitude, almost like standing in a quiet feld at the end of the day.
Paul Schoenfeld Café Music
Schoenfeld wrote Café Music after flling in for a pianist at a Minneapolis restaurant, and the piece carries that playful, eclectic spirit. It mixes early 20th century American styles with touches of Broadway, Viennese charm, and even a bit of gypsy fair.
The music is lively, humorous, and full of personality the kind of piece that smiles at you while still demanding tight ensemble chemistry.
Astor Piazzolla Primavera Porteña
Piazzolla transformed the tango into a concert art form, and Primavera Porteña (“Buenos Aires Spring”) is part of his set inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
The music blends tango rhythms with classical and jazz infuences, creating a sound that is unmistakably Piazzolla: passionate, urban, and full of rhythmic bite. Playing it always feels like stepping into the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
https://venmo.com/u/Leandro -Balderrama
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Recital Hall (Music Building ) 7:30 P.M. PROVO, UTAH