Ugnius Pauliukonis

Since winning the prestigious RNCM Gold Medal in 2013, Lithuanian pianist Ugnius Pauliukonis is fast establishing himself as pianist and teacher on the international stage. For his Mid-day Concerts debut, he offers a programme of concert favourites.

Josef Haydn’s last piano work of 1793 was described at the time as ‘a melancholy andante in F minor, with variations, as only a genius can do them, that almost sounds like a free fantasia’.

The second of Chopin’s four Ballades (1839) contrasts a pastoral opening with some of his most turbulent inspiration. While Scriabin’s later music is often described as being mystical or sensual, his B minor Fantasy (1900) displays a brand of muscular virtuosity that seems to owe much to Franz Liszt, whose dazzling Hungarian Rhapsody No.12 ends the programme.

Programme:
Haydn - Andante and Variations in F minor Hob XV11/6
Chopin - Ballade No.2 in F major Op.38
Scriabin - Fantasy in B minor Op.28
Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody No.12 in C sharp minor