This is the second of my short works for solo piano featuring fascinating places in Russia. Novosibirsk is Russia's third-largest city and is the capital of Siberia. It is home to around 1.5 million people and is the center of culture and education in Asian Russia. It has warm, comfortable summers and chilly, snowy winters. Novosibirsk is a booming metropolis: it has theaters, botanical gardens, museums, and even a symphony orchestra.

I composed this waltz with winter in mind - something the people of Novosibirsk know well. Something about waltzing always reminds me of winter. Maybe it's because dances bring people together, which is something I find winter and cold temperatures do as well. Whatever the reason, Novosibirsk, even in its cold winters, seemed perfect for a waltz piece. And so, here it is!

© 2022 by Gabriel Leu. All rights reserved.

Novosibirsk

This piece is, for me, what it means to arrive someplace. It's short yet declamatory and a fun little bundle of Kapustinesque style that might remind one of ragtime or even video game music.

The exposition of this work is about seeing a place for the first time, along with all its sights and sounds. The music is busy, rollickingly syncopated, and cheerful, if somewhat chaotic.
The second section, which begins with "murmuring" and then suddenly imitates the previous ragtime-like passages, is about becoming accustomed to life in a new place, which can be full of surprises.
Then, a vague reiteration of the opening theme appears, which leads to a brief minor-key section.
A recapitulation comes about soon after when the opening theme makes a comeback, now in the key of G major. A buildup over two lines of music comes to an unexpectedly abrupt halt, after which the opening of the piece is presented again in its original key, emerging softly and building to a crisp and satisfying close.

© 2022 by Gabriel Leu. All rights reserved.

Arriving

I am an 18-year-old student violinist and self-taught composer. I enjoy classical music all the way from medieval times to works by living composers, and I often find myself composing music that reflects this wide range of styles. I am also deeply interested in ethnic and folk music and love to implement elements from other cultural traditions into my work.

All my uploads here are my original compositions or performances unless otherwise indicated. Happy listening!