Passion and Tragedy

Haunting and atmospheric, the lyrics of Piazzolla’s Oblivion speak of the memory of a brief but passionate love affair. Originally written in 1984 for an Italian film Enrico IV (Henry IV), it has since been arranged for various different combinations of instruments. The version featured in the programme is by Japanese arranger Kyoko Yamamoto for piano duet.

The Fantasie in F minor was composed in 1828, when Schubert’s health was in decline with the illness that would eventually take his life merely months after. The four interconnected movements of the Fantasie take the listener through Schubert’s inner world of his conflicting thoughts, from a lament that develops into a rage against life’s circumstances, a lively dance with carefree abandon, and finally, resignation and despair.