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Emanuel Ax
Apr 27, 2025 — 3:00 PM
Overview
Emanuel Ax, praised for “his seemingly effortless dexterity and the unnerving clarity of his artistic vision” (San Francisco Chronicle), navigates the intricate melodies of timeless compositions. Delve into the romantic depths of Beethoven’s hauntingly beautiful Moonlight Sonata and Schumann’s bold, soul-searching C Major Fantasy.
Program
Beethoven
Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1, Quasi una fantasia
Corigliano
Fantasia on an Ostinato
Beethoven
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, Quasi una fantasia (Moonlight)
Schumann
Arabeske in C Major, Op. 18
Schumann
Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17
Schubert (arr. Liszt)
Ständchen, D. 889 [Encore]
Performers
Sponsors & Partners
This performance is generously sponsored by Martha C. Nussbaum.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
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Emanuel Ax credits his love of chamber music to his teachers: “They instilled that in me. I love being with other musicians. I’m naturally a pretty gregarious person, and I love the idea of being with others onstage and off.”
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“The general level of playing” among today’s piano soloists is higher than it’s ever been, says Emanuel Ax. “The number of people who are extraordinary today is greater than it’s ever been.”
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Iconic piano soloists are featured, including Van Cliburn, Cecile Licad, Ivo Pogorelich, and Peter Serkin in works by Bartók, Chopin, MacDowell, and Rachmaninov.
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