Dmitry Rachmanov

This eclectic program brings together a rich tapestry of musical voices, beginning with Six Bagatelles, Op. 126, Beethoven’s final published work for solo piano. Though modestly titled “bagatelles” — a term suggesting triviality — these miniatures are anything but. They mark a profound turning point, anticipating the expressive intimacy of the Romantic character piece later perfected by composers like Chopin, Schubert, and Schumann. The program continues with a selection of Chopin Etudes — masterpieces that seamlessly blend virtuosic brilliance with poetic depth, elevating technical studies into concert hall staples. We then turn to early 20th-century Russia, exploring the contrasting worlds of Alexander Scriabin and Sergei Rachmaninoff — classmates, rivals, and two of the most influential voices of their time. Their works reveal diverging paths: Scriabin’s mysticism and harmonic daring set against Rachmaninoff’s sweeping lyricism and structural clarity. Finally, the program highlights two extraordinary yet underrecognized women composers from Russia and Ukraine: Varvara Gaigerova and Bogdana Filz. Their distinctive voices offer a compelling glimpse into the evolving musical traditions of the Soviet and post-Soviet eras.