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THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE OF LIBERAL AND FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Between Worlds: Light, Darkness, Life, and Beyond

Jacob Nydegger, piano

Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109 ………………………………………………………………..L. v. Beethoven (1770-1827)

I Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo

II Prestissimo

III Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo

Preludes, Book 1 S Andrew Lloyd (b 1979)

II.

III

IV.

V. Vision of Eternity -Pause-

Sonata No 5, Op 53 Alexander Skrjabin (1872-1915)

Sonata in B Minor ………………………………………………………………………………………………….Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

Program:

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE OF LIBERAL AND FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The concept of duality is omnipresent and encompasses life and death, light and darkness, joy and sadness, simplicity and complexity. In music, duality often manifests itself through contrasts within a single piece, the interplay between movements or the interaction between performer and audience. This program explores different interpretations of duality in four works, each offering a unique perspective on opposing forceswhether thematically, harmonically or stylistically.

Beethoven's Sonata No 30 embodies a multi-layered duality in its contrasts between the lyrical and the dramatic, calm and anxiety, simple sincerity and complex spirituality The first movement oscillates between calm, song-like passages and outbursts of energetic momentum The second movement offers a stark contrast with its aggressive, restless character, while the third movement returns to an introspective and reflective mood, weaving variations that explore a spectrum of emotions. The third movement additionally captures a duality of its own, beginning with a lyrical and sensitive theme that ends with the final variation that pushes every musical parameter to the extreme before returning to the original theme as if nothing had ever happened.

The Preludes by the American composer S Andrew Lloyd continue the exploration of duality, in particular the contrast between life and death After the theme of death, the last prelude finally leads us into life Each prelude in the collection juxtaposes different moods, textures and harmonic languages, offering a modern reflection on a classical form

Scriabin's Sonata No 5 is the quintessential exploration of duality through harmony and philosophy Accompanied by an excerpt from his essay Le Poème de l'Extase, the sonata ' s musical contrasts are symbolic of the duality between languor and ecstasy, light and darkness The one-movement sonata is full of contrastschaotic dissonances and exuberant harmonies, rapid passages and slower, more contemplative sections The piece reflects Scriabin's philosophical exploration of opposing forces and their ultimate synthesis, embodying the tension between the physical and the spiritual

Liszt's Sonata in B minor, written in Weimar in 1853, is a 30-minute, continuous work with no formally delineated movements, bringing an enormous and dramatic musical landscape to this program The meaning of this work has been the subject of debate and controversy among many scholars with various interpretations: a musical symbol of the Faust saga, a musical autobiography by Liszt, a religious expression expressing biblical ideas and symbolizing heaven and hell, or a purely expressive form that has no direct meaning outside of its own musical content Regardless of which interpretation one subscribes to, the listener and performer is exposed to an extreme range of emotions in this work, from exuberant joy to the terrifying call of death

The works performed today represent a thorough exploration of duality and show how composers of different eras have grappled with opposing life forces in music. From Scriabin's vivid depiction of inertia and ecstasy to Beethoven's dialogue between lyricism and intensity, this program underscores that duality is not only about conflict, but also about harmony, reconciliation and the complex beauty that arises from the interplay of opposites

JacobNydegger

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE OF LIBERAL AND FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

American pianist Jacob Nydegger began his remarkable musical journey in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, and has since received acclaim from numerous quarters Theater Jones Journal calls him a "gifted performer with formidable technique," while Fanfare Magazine compares his "smooth, elegant power " to that of the legendary Van Cliburn Nydegger's debut album on Toccata Classics was widely praised and appeared on the Classical New Releases: Spotify Picks playlist in 2018 His commercial success in recordings is complemented by his success in competitions. He won 1st prize at the 2022 Petroff Piano Competition and the 2021 Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition, as well as top prizes at the 2021 William Knabe International Piano Competition, the 2021 Richardson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition and the 2019 Weatherford International Piano Competition, among others.

A consummate performer, Nydegger has performed on prestigious stages in the US, Europe and Asia. His artistry has led him to perform as a soloist with orchestras such as the Lüneburg Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado College Festival Orchestra and the University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra. His international appearances have taken him to such illustrious venues as the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Dresden Kulturpalast and the Dresden Frauenkirche. In addition to his solo concerts, Nydegger is a sought-after chamber musician and has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as David Ying of the Grammy award-winning Ying Quartet, while he also worked for several years as a pianist for Texas Woman's University.

Nydegger honed his craft through master classes and private lessons with esteemed pianists such as Yefim Bronfman, Bernd Goetzke, Jerome Lowenthal, Ursula Oppens and Jon Nakamatsu He completed his studies in the USA with Joseph Banowetz at the University of North Texas. He currently lives in Dresden, where he studied with Hinrich Alpers as a Deutschlandstipendium holder in the Meisterklasse His latest album, Portraits (music for flute and piano by Peter Senchuk), was released in 2024 and is available on all major streaming platforms Nydegger's upcoming projects include a second recording with Toccata Classics, featuring works by the important Dutch composer Leo Samama. www jacobnydegger com

HELP THE UTSA CLARINET CHOIR GET TO CLARINETFEST 2025

• The UTSA Clarinet Choir has been invited to perform at the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest this July

• ClarinetFest, the world’s largest clarinet conference, unites performers, educators, and industry professionals. UTSA Clarinet Choir will premiere works by San Antonio composers Clarisa De la Garza and Dr. Tyler M. Webster on July 13th in Fort Worth, TX.

• Premiering two new works at this international conference is a major achievement. Students will gain invaluable artistic growth, networking opportunities, and exposure to world-class performances.