SEASONS / VIVALDI – PIAZZOLLA

The program features:
Vivaldi. Seasons, four concertos for the violin with orchestra
Piazzolla. Seasons in Buenos Aires
The subject of seasons has always been popular in art. It gave the chance to imprint in art the common events and affairs and was given the philosophical sense: the change of seasons was always considered in the aspect of milestones of human life. Thus, awakening of natural powers symbolizes youth, and winter – the end of life, the old age. This wide concept implies stability of vital circles and eternal renewal in the infinite current of time.
Composers – Haidn, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov also addressed the subject of seasons… The first to embody in music four seasons in all their magnificence and variety was Antonio Vivaldi, having created the well-known cycle of violin concerts and having supplied them with poetic epigraphs – sonnets. The comparison of concerts of Vivaldi and the popular tango of Astor Piazzolla of the same name in arrangement for string became the brand program of the Hermitage ensemble of soloists – one of the brightest and stylish chamber collectives of Moscow. This music has been among the greatest hits to which the audience is ready to listen again and again. Unlike Vivaldi, Piazzolla – as well as Argentina itself – begins the annual cycle in fall. Mixing the Latin American rhythms and jazz idioms, the composer doesn't forget the classical traditions and even hints at the succession in relation to Vivaldi, quoting his well-known Thunder-storm.
The head of the ensemble, the winner of the international competitions, Ilya Norstein will be the soloist. The violinist performs with solo programs, plays with orchestras and in chamber ensembles in prestigious European concert halls. Participates in the international festivals of chamber music. The listener's rating of the violinist is very high and constant. His execution is appreciated by both the audience and critics: "Violin concerts of Vivaldi allow Ilya Norstein to demonstrate the rich amplitude of the talent. Decisive and uncompromising in fast parts, it instantaneously changes in the cantilena, finding the most beautiful colors and delightful sounds. He effortlessly copes with all technical "tricks" which were prepared by Vivaldi for the performers. So that thunder-storms and lightning in the Summer concerto are very effective and picturesque with Norstein, as well as patterns of the spring nature with masterly cadences in Spring" (Culture).