Lumos: Zhuoqihan Huang

About this event

This recital, Lumos: Zhuoqihan, takes its name from the Latin word for “light”. It uses classical music to bring warmth and positive energy to the audience. Selected by cellist Zhuoqihan, the performance includes works by Bach from the Baroque period and late‑Classical pieces by Beethoven. These contrasting styles create very different listening experiences for the audience.

Both Bach suites and Beethoven sonatas are essential works in cello study. These two pieces represent different stages in the development of cello music. Bach’s Cello Suites clearly show the musical style of the Baroque period. Although the cello is a single-line instrument, the performer must create the effect of multiple voices, which requires a strong understanding of the relationship between melody and harmony. Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 5 represents a later stage. In many earlier sonatas, the cello always served as bass accompaniment, however in this work cello becomes a partner of piano, forming a dialogue with the piano and playing its own main melodic role. Although these two works come from different periods, they also share some similarities. For example, the use of fugue in Beethoven’s Fifth Sonata reflects the influence of Bach’s compositional style.

From von der Mehden Recital Hall