Banish the January blues with some beautiful piano music by Chopin! Paul Turner, the Swindon Recital Series founder, makes a much-anticipated return to the Wyvern stage with a programme of melodic and contemplative compositions. Included are such favourites as the ‘Raindrop Prelude’, ‘Fantaisie-Impromptu’ and the ‘minute’ waltz.
Chopin disliked descriptive titles and the ‘Raindrop Prelude’ was suggested by his lover, the novelist George Sand. The piece is described as ‘nocturnal’ – reflective or evocative of the night – and is the longest and probably most famous of his 24 preludes. The Fantaisie-Impromptu later became the source of the hit Tin Pan Alley tune ‘I’m always chasing rainbows’ and the ‘minute’ waltz (minute as in miniature, not a unit of time) was inspired by the sight of Chopin’s small dog chasing its tail.
A recent performance was described by Sheila Harrod, Patron of the Old Town Festival, as “Just wonderful and so very uplifting. It calmed my busy day. A very special man who speaks with his hands!”Paul will appear at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, on Wednesday January 29th at 1.05pm. Tickets £6, accompanied children (14 and under) free.
