MUSIC

 Pianist Fredericka King has done extensive work in developing programs like The American Way, a series of concerts showcasing American piano, vocal and instrumental music, while also appearing on television, Public radio, and as soloist with multiple orchestras around New England. She also has an impressive discography, which includes a three disc set titled Piano Classics for Young Listeners, and Hooray for the Ladies!, which is all music composed by American women and was recorded live with the group American Classics.

During her recital, King will showcase her equally remarkable knowledge and mastery of international works, beginning with sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti. King recorded one of Scarlatti’s 555 keyboard sonatas in her Piano Classics for Young Listeners collection, and two others on her A Born Pianist album.

Next on the program will be Johannes Brahm’s Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel. Dedicated to Clara Schumann, this piece is heavily based on a theme from Handel’s Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B Flat Major, HWV 434. Respected music writer Donald Tovey ranks this piece among “the half-dozen greatest sets of variations ever written”.

King will also adeptly perform Ondine from Maurice Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, a very technically challenging piece telling the tale of a water fairy seducing listeners into her lake bottom kingdom.

The last piece of the recital will be Frédéric Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58. Marked by a careful balance of turbulence and serenity, this is the last sonata for solo piano that Chopin composed. King's interpretations of many works by Chopin can be found throughout her discography.