Michael Houstoun - Piano

Programme
Bach: English Suite No 3 in G minor, BWV 808
Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales
Schumann: Humoreske, Opus 20
Gao Ping: Two Waltzes
Chopin: Grande valse brillante, Opus 18
Chopin: Scherzo No 4 in E, Opus 54

Michael Houstoun has been a regular visitor to Waikanae since 1986. In February 2020, planning to retire, he played to a sell-out Waikanae audience at a farewell concert. But somehow retirement lost its appeal and now, proudly “unretired” Michael will be back to bring us a typically varied and enterprising recital of works ranging from J S Bach to the 21st century.

The English Suite in G minor is probably the most popular of Bach’s six English Suites. The well-known Ravel Pavane will lead into the Valses nobles et sentimentales, intended by Ravel as a set of Schubertian waltzes, but his distinctive use of dissonance and his rhythmic subtlety transformed the Viennese dance into something more sophisticated. Schumann’s Humoreske is typically romantic, engaging and unpredictable, and then we have two more Waltzes – new works by Chinese/New Zealand composer Gao Ping which Michael describes as “charming”. Chopin will end the recital in style; with the Grande valse brillante and the joyful, extraverted Scherzo No 4.

Door sales will be available or tickets can be bought from Waikanae New World and Moby Dickens Books in Paraparaumu Beach. Enquiries about online sales: visit the Waikanae Music Society website or call 021 251 7030. Masks and vaccine passes will still be required.