Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti, conductor

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) (October 2014)

Concertino en Sol Mineur Pour Piano et Orchestre I.

Svyatoslav Levin - F.Chopin: Variations, B flat Major, Op. 2, on La ci darem la mano

While Bach was the end-all-be-all of the Baroque period, Chopin was the golden boy of the Romantic era. Just like the early Romantics rejected the cool objectivity of their predecessors, Chopin's music was all about expressing the self in all its various forms. In exploring new harmonic realms and tonal relationships, he had to come up with new forms to contain his highly individual creative messages. This resulted in his "character pieces" or piano miniatures - the shortest of which weighs in at just 16 measly measures. His Nocturnes, 19 in all, are particularly soulful and expressive, making them some of Chopin's most intimate pieces. Interestingly, Chopin has been wrongly credited with creating the genre of the romantic night piece. In fact, that honor goes to John Field, who composed 17 Nocturnes, the first three of which appeared when Chopin was just four years old. But don't let that take away from Chopin's supreme talent in the Nocturne genre. In short, Chopin was a true master of the Nocturne and his contributions to the genre will never be forgotten. Or at least until the next guy comes along and claims he invented it.

The Dublin-born Field was a pianist of wide acclaim throughout Europe. He was a student of Muzio Clementi and even worked in his piano shop. Field composed a ton of music, including eight piano concertos and 17 Nocturnes, the first three of which appeared in 1814 - when Chopin was just four years old. Most authors of books on Chopin try to downplay the influence of the Irish composer on the Polish master. Field may have invented the genre, but it was Chopin who really took it to the next level. You could say that Chopin took the essentials of the Nocturne and intensified them a thousandfold - like adding extra hot sauce to your already spicy burrito.

Even if you believe that Field invented the genre of the Nocturne, there's no denying that Chopin was a supreme practitioner in the field (pun intended). His piano style fully exploited the singing quality of the instrument and created a whole world of sonorities. He also used the sustaining pedal to amplify the piece's distinctive sonority, and his use of rubato contributed to the poetic ambiance. On a musical level, Chopin introduced the element of chromaticism into his harmonic structure, which influenced virtually all composers who came after him. Chopin's 19 Nocturnes are a real mixed bag - some are dreamy, some are tear-jerkers, and some are just plain stoic. The E-major Nocturne on this program is the 18th and final one that Chopin published in his lifetime (he did leave us with one more, but that was published posthumously). It's a real crowd-pleaser - it's got a nice, flowing melody and some fancy filigree, all held together by some sturdy chordal accompaniment. But don't worry, things don't stay calm for long - the left hand starts moving like crazy, and we get a new melody to go along with it. Then things get really interesting - we've got some syncopated, agitated music that really raises the tension. But don't worry, the main theme comes back to calm things down. And just when you think it's over, Chopin pulls out a little two-measure epilogue that some people might find a little unnecessary. But hey, who are we to question the master?

This is a live recording from Auer Hall at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music of one of Frederic Chopin's last works, the Nocturne in E major, op. 62, no. 2. 
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Piano: New York Steinway & Sons Model D

Frederic Chopin Nocturne in E major, op. 62, no. 2

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A Christmas present from little Archie Chen performing from Grieg's Lyric Pieces Op. 54, No. 3, Trolltog(March of the Dwarfs)

This is a studio recording made for RTE's Arena broadcast on July 20th 2017.

My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen
Official Website: www.archiechen.com
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Piano: Steinway B
Recorded at RTE Radio Centre, Dublin

Edvard Grieg 'March of the Dwarfs' op. 54, no. 3

Made this recording June 5th, 2012. Enjoy this beautiful romantic character piece by Chopin. 

Frederic Chopin - Etude in Ab Major, "Aeolian Harp", Op. 25 No. 1

Baroque Evening

I absolutely adore the Chopin Barcarolle. There are many reasons why I love this piece of music, but some of the main ones are its stunning melody, its rich and complex harmonies, and its emotional depth.

First and foremost, the melody of the Barcarolle is absolutely beautiful. It is both lyrical and expressive, and Chopin's skillful use of phrasing and ornamentation adds to its overall beauty. The melody moves through a range of emotions, from tender and delicate to intense and passionate. I find myself humming along every time I hear it.

In addition to its beautiful melody, the Barcarolle also features rich and complex harmonies. Chopin's use of chromaticism and modulations adds layers of depth and color to the music, and the way he combines different chords and harmonies is truly masterful. I am always amazed by the way the harmonies in the Barcarolle support and enhance the melody.

Finally, I love the Barcarolle because of its emotional depth. This piece is not just a pretty melody with fancy harmonies; it is a deeply emotional and expressive work of art. The music conveys a wide range of emotions, from wistfulness and longing to joy and exultation. I am always moved by the way Chopin is able to convey these emotions through his music.

Overall, the Chopin Barcarolle is a masterpiece, and I could listen to it over and over again. It is a true work of art, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience its beauty from a performer's perspective.

In 1845, the Barcarolle was composed among other mazurkas and songs. It is known for its captivating sound and its fiery, passionate expression. By coincidence or design, the last of the three Mazurkas, Op. 59, ends with a transition to the bright key of F sharp major. Interestingly, the Barcarolle also begins in F sharp major, which is a rare key for Chopin. Throughout the piece, the key of F sharp major plays a significant role, as the music frequently departs from and returns to it.

The exact circumstances under which Chopin came up with the idea for the Barcarolle are unknown. Chopin never visited Venice and only briefly saw Italian landscapes and atmosphere on a boat trip. It is possible that the idea and form of the barcarolle came from existing works in the genre, particularly those by Rossini and Auber. All of these composers' operatic barcarolles were well-known to Chopin and could have influenced his composition.

My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen
Official Website: www.archiechen.com
Youtube DIPF www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe
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Festival Website: www.pianofestival.ie
Teaching Website: www.pianoacademy.ie

Piano: Fazioli F278
Recording Engineer: David Bjur
Piano Technician: Dave Severence
This track was recorded at Washington State University on June 26th, 2019.

Frederic Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, op. 60

Mozart's "Adagio in B minor" (1788) is a real party in the key of B minor. It's not just the daring use of chromatic harmony that makes it stand out, but also the fact that B minor is a key that was hardly ever used by 18th and 19th century composers. And let's be real, it's probably because it's a real pain in the butt to play. Trying to modulate to the dominant key of F# major with all those sharps is like trying to read a novel written in wingdings. It's just not happening. But props to Mozart for not letting a little thing like modulations stop him from creating a masterpiece.

B minor isn't just a key, it's a state of mind. It's the musical equivalent of a haunted house on a dark and stormy night. It's spooky, it's eerie, and it's perfect for evoking abnormal psychological states and foretelling tragic musical events. Just listen to Bach's "B minor Mass," Liszt's "Sonata in B minor," Chopin's "B minor Scherzo," or Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)" if you don't believe me. And Mozart's "Adagio in B minor K. 540" is no exception. He fully embraces the spooky vibe of B minor and takes it to new heights. It's like a horror movie score, but with more crescendos.

It is basically one big drama fest from start to finish. It starts off with a solo melodic line in the right hand that outlines the B minor triad. And then BAM! You're hit with a diminished 7th chord that's like a punch to the gut. And it just keeps getting more intense from there. You've got all the emotional rhetorical devices you could want: plangent appoggiaturas, yearning suspensions, dramatic silences, and rapid contrasts of loud and soft. It's like a classical music roller coaster. And just when you think you can't handle any more drama, it ends with a bang. Or maybe a whimper. I can never tell as it depends on my mood.

It may be composed in sonata form, but it's definitely not your typical classical music. It's like a fantasia, with short bursts of jagged, instrumentally-conceived melody that seem like they're almost improvised. And forget about those lovely operatic melodies that you often find in piano sonatas. This one is all about the drama and the intensity. It's like Mozart decided to throw out the rulebook and just let his emotions loose. And honestly, it's pretty wild. But in a good way. Like a classical music emotional rollercoaster ride!

It's definitely a trip, especially in the development section where the chromatic harmonies are used. It's like Mozart is taking you on a tour of tonal space and you never know where you're going to end up. Pianist Vladimir Horowitz even said that this work is like a preview of the harmonic language that Chopin, Wagner, and Verdi would use. It's like Mozart was a time traveler who went into the future and brought back some sweet harmonic secrets. And if Horowitz says it's okay to perform it in a Romantic style, then who are we to argue? Let's get this chromatic party started!

My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen
Official Website: www.archiechen.com
Youtube DIPF www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe
Youtube Archie www.youtube.com/c/ArchieChenPianist
Festival Website: www.pianofestival.ie
Teaching Website: www.pianoacademy.ie

Piano: Fazioli F278
Recording Engineer: David Bjur
Piano Technician: Dave Severence
This track was recorded at Washington State University on June 26th, 2019.

Adagio in B minor, K. 540

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Adagio in B minor, K. 540

Encore complete with coughs. Played after a rendition of Schumann's Piano Concert.

Robert Schumann: Gesänge der Frühe op. 133: 1. Im ruhigen Tempo

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Herbert Blomstedt, conductor
Bertrand Chamayou, piano

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K  488 (March 2020)

According to the Irish Times, Taiwanese-American pianist Archie Chen is like a hot-blooded Latino lover, except with a piano instead of a guitar. His "gorgeously full tone" and "daring velocity" have earned him a reputation as a real heart-throb of the classical music world. But don't be fooled by his dreamy good looks and seductive melodies - the man's got serious skills. As International Piano Magazine attests, his interpretation of Alkan at the Dublin International Piano Festival was so steamy, it's still making audiences swoon months later. Talk about a performance that really sticks with you!

Ladies and gentlemen, it's not every day you get to see a world-renowned doctor who also happens to be an international musical sensation! Dr. Chen is a true Renaissance man, traveling the globe and performing at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. From Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Gewandhaus and the Vatican Auditorium, this guy has played them all. And don't even get me started on his tours of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe! He's played at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Benaroya Hall, and countless concert halls throughout China. So if you're feeling ill, just come to one of Dr. Chen's shows and let his music heal your soul. 

He's not just a performer, he's a multimedia superstar! Not only has he graced the stages of some of the world's most prestigious venues, but he's also been featured on radio and TV in the US and Europe. And if that's not impressive enough, he's even been in movies! Just check out BBC Films' "Loving Miss Hatto" where he tackles the notoriously tricky Godowsky-Chopin Etudes. But don't worry, Archie's not a one-man show. He's an active chamber musician who's performed with some of the best, including English cellist William Butt and trumpeters Alan Vizutti and John Wallace. And he's not just a big city guy - Archie's performed with symphonies all across the US, from the Spokane Symphony to the Northwest Chamber Orchestra. And to top it all off, he's recorded for both Sony Classical and Carnegie Artists Records. So if you're in the mood for some top-notch entertainment, look no further than Archie - the pride of Spokane! This guy has been tickling the ivories since he was old enough to reach the keys. At just 11 years old, he gave his first Piano Concerto performance with the Spokane Youth Symphony. And he just kept getting better and better, winning the Northwest Young Artist series at 13 and the Young Artist award at Musicfest Northwest at 16. Talk about a prodigy! But Archie didn't stop there. He caught the attention of the legendary Maestro Gunther Schuller, who took him under his wing and made him a regular guest artist at the Festival at Sandpoint. 

And if that wasn't enough, he even went on to get his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied with the likes of Menahem Pressler and the late Edmund Battersby. Alright folks, let's get serious for a second - this guy is a scholarship machine! Archie Chen may be a native of Spokane, but he's been racking up accolades all over the country. At Indiana University, he won the Nina Neal Piano Scholarship and even earned the Performer's Certificate - the school's highest honor. But don't worry, he didn't stop there. After completing his studies at Indiana University, he went on to earn his Recital Artist Diploma and Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance. And if that wasn't impressive enough, he even focused his research on Chopin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music under the direction of John O'Conor. 

So when it comes to scholarships and awards, Archie's got it covered! Folks, let me tell you - this guy's got some serious talent. Not only has Archie Chen won countless awards and scholarships, but he's also been recognized by some of the biggest names in the business. He was the recipient of the Arts Council of Ireland Music Bursary Award, in support of his performances and research. And some of the biggest names in music have been his teachers, including Leonard Hokanson and Alicia De Larrocha. But don't just take my word for it - in 2013, Archie was named Artist of the Year by the New York Classical Music Society and he won First Prize at the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. And if that wasn't impressive enough, he's even been awarded a Fellowship from the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a prestigious residency program for artists.

Not only is he a world-class pianist, but he's also an educator and a festival founder. That's right, folks - Dr. Chen has served as Assistant Lecturer of Piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and at the Conservatory of Music & Drama at TU Dublin. And if that wasn't enough, he's also the Founder & Artistic Director of the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy. But don't worry, he's not just a one-man show - he's also the Director of Development at the Piano Academy of Ireland. 

Not only is Archie Chen a world-renowned pianist, but he's also a top-notch teacher! His students have won top prizes in international piano competitions and have been accepted to some of the best universities and conservatories in the world. And he doesn't just teach at home - he regularly gives master classes across the US, Europe, and Asia, and is an active adjudicator at both national and international levels. But don't worry, Spokane - he hasn't forgotten about you. Recently returned to his hometown, Archie is an active member of MTNA, CMS, SMTA, and EPTA, and he even serves on the board of Musicfest Northwest. And when he's not busy with all that, he still finds time to maintain a private studio with his wife Rhona Gouldson.

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Adagio in B minor, K. 540

Archie Chen Pianist

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