By Christine Jasper
Liebeslieder Waltzes Op. 52 and Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes Op. 65
Hungarian Dances Nos. 3, 6, 9, and 11
Thursday, 13 February, 7pm at St Mark’s Church.
‘An Evening with Brahms – Liebeslieder Waltzes & Hungarian Dances’ highlights the charm and versatility of Brahms’ music, featuring his Liebeslieder Waltzes Op. 52 and Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes Op. 65.
Alongside, will be selections from the Hungarian Dances Nos. 3, 6, 9, and 11, presenting a fascinating contrast between the refined lyricism of the ‘Liebeslieder Waltzes’ and the unrestrained energy of the Hungarian Dances.
The Liebeslieder Waltzes (or translated ‘Lovesong’ Waltzes) are a series of delightful and poignant miniatures for vocal quartet and piano four hands, inspired by German folk poetry, filled with a blend of warmth, intimacy, and playful charm, offering moments of both wistful longing and joyful exuberance.
In the Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes, Brahms takes this form even further, weaving intricate vocal lines and harmonies that highlight his sophisticated musical language. Together, these works invite listeners into a world of romantic expression.
The Hungarian Dances, originally composed for piano four hands, are some of Brahms’ most beloved and spirited pieces, inspired by the vibrant folk traditions of Hungary. The programme features No. 3 in F major, No. 6 in D-flat major (one of Brahms’ most famous dances, characterised by a broad, sweeping melody and a sense of grandeur, tempered by moments of tenderness), No. 9 in E minor (a fiery, dramatic piece with sharp dynamic contrasts and an irresistible energy, embodying the bold spirit of Hungarian music) and No. 11 in D minor, full of subtle elegance, with graceful melodies and a gentle rhythmic sway that evokes a more reflective character.
Four accomplished vocal soloists (soprano, contralto, tenor, and baritone) and two pianists have joined forces for this project. Each member of the ensemble has an impressive artistic background, with performances across major European venues and collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cologne Philharmonie, and Royal Opera House:
Susanna MacRae (Soprano): A graduate of the Royal College of Music, London, Susanna specialises in baroque and contemporary repertoire, performing across the UK and Europe.
Christine Jasper (Contralto): Jersey-based Christine has been praised for her unique, dark contralto timbre and has performed as a concert and ensemble singer both in London and across the UK and Europe.
Joseph Buckmaster (Tenor): Equally at home on both the opera stage and concert platform, Joseph has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Holland Park.
Benjamin Hewat-Craw (Baritone): A British baritone based in Cologne, Benjamin has released critically acclaimed albums and performed in venues such as the Cologne Philharmonie and Düsseldorf Tonhalle.
Richard Lewis (Piano): A classical pianist and prize winner at Trinity College of Music, Richard has a career spanning over 40 years both as performer and as recording artist.
Satoshi Kubo (Piano): Japanese-born pianist and répétiteur, Satoshi is a distinguished, multi-award-winning graduate of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, with a passion for chamber music, who frequently works (amongst other Opera Houses) at the Royal Opera House in London.
Tickets are sold via the Jersey Opera House Website:
