Mozart+ Series No.3

The recital begins with Mozart’s Sonata in D major, K284, a work written with a grander, more orchestral scale than his earlier efforts. You will hear a series of expansive variations in the final movement that test the technical reach of the instrument. This theme of structural variation continues through the evening, first with Mendelssohn’s Variations sérieuses. Here, the composer moves away from the light character often associated with his style, instead exploring seventeen rigorous and increasingly complex treatments of a sombre theme. A sharp contrast arrives with Copland’s Piano Variations, which uses a brief, four-note motif to build a rugged and highly disciplined soundscape. The programme returns to Mozart for the Sonata in A major, K331. Rather than a traditional sonata form, this work opens with a gentle set of variations and concludes with the famous Rondo alla Turca. Listen for the way the final movement mimics the percussion-heavy sounds of Janissary bands, bringing the evening to a lively, rhythmic close.

Soloist Paul Lewis takes the stage for this recital, bringing his long-standing reputation for thoughtful and technically refined interpretations. A staple of the British classical scene, he is particularly noted for his cycles of central European repertoire. He appears here under the banner of the Liverpool Philharmonic, the city’s primary orchestral organisation. While the ensemble is usually found at their namesake hall, this series sees them presenting intimate chamber and solo performances. This partnership highlights the soloist's ability to navigate the delicate phrasing of the classical era alongside the more percussive demands of twentieth-century American composition.

The performance takes place at The Tung Auditorium in Liverpool. With a total running time of 90 minutes, the evening is compact and well-suited if you prefer a shorter concert experience or are new to solo piano recitals. As a solo instrumental performance, there is no singing or text to follow. The venue is a modern space designed for acoustic clarity, offering an intimate setting for this type of chamber programming. There is no specific dress code for this event, so standard smart-casual attire is appropriate for an evening at the Philharmonic.