Invitation
You are invited to a private concert by Albert Cano Smit, a Spanish/Dutch classical pianist who has been praised by critics as “a moving young poet,” “a great romantic,” and “an artist to watch.” He has performed both as a soloist and with orchestras on big world stages — including famous venues like the Carnegie Hall, the Merkin Hall, the Kravis Center, and the Kennedy Center — and international festivals in Europe, Asia, and North America. Now, Albert will give an intimate at-home performance with an exciting and diverse program.
100% OF THE DONATIONS WILL GO TO THE PIANIST. Please be generous.
Albert is currently pursuing his Artist Diploma with Robert McDonald at The Juilliard School, where he was awarded the prestigious 2020 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Prize. He is also the top prize winner of numerous piano competitions, including First Prize at the 2017 Walter W. Naumburg Piano Competition, and First Prize at the 2019 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. He is currently competing in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
For a taster, here is a video of Albert’s performance of the Scriabin Poème.
The program
Johann Sebastian Bach
English Suite No. 1 in A Major BWV 806
- Prélude
- Allemande
- Courante I
- Courante II
- Sarabande
- Bourrée I
- Bourrée II
- Gigue
Isaac Albéniz
Iberia, book I
- “Evocación”
- “El Puerto”
Maurice Ravel
Pavane pour un infante défunte
Alexander Scriabin
Poeme Op. 32 No. 1
Etude Op. 2 No. 1 in C sharp minor
Alberto Ginastera
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2
- Danza del viejo boyero
- Danza de la moza donosa
- Danza del gaucho matrero
About the program
From the first upward arpeggio in Bach’s Suite to the downward glissando in Ginastera’s final dance, the main thread of tonight’s program lies in the sound of Spain – with the addition of two Scriabin pieces, which are pure Slavic passion.
Even though Bach’s work is an English Suite, various elements may have been written for the lute, a guitar-like instrument that made its way to Europe from the south.
While the Spanish pianist and composer Albeniz never composed for the guitar, transcriptions of many of his piano works became important classical guitar repertoires.
Despite the radical stylistic shift in Ravel, some 300 years after Bach, one can imagine a little infanta dancing in the Spanish court in this piece.
Ginastera’s Danzas achieve a distinct Argentinian sound, yet it still has hints of the Spanish guitar from the English Suite. Look out for the final EADGB chord of the first movement – the standard tuning chord for the guitar.