Christopher Duigan. Photo: Val Adamson

MARITZBURG pianist, Christopher Duigan, will be performing the music of Ludwig van Beethoven at St Agnes Church in Kloof at 7.30 pm on Thursday, October 27 and at the Tatham Art Gallery in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg at 11.30 am on Sunday, October 30.

He will play three sonatas from the canon of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas that represent each of these periods: the light-hearted Sonata in F Op 10 No 2, the popular ‘Moonlight’ Sonata Op 27 no 2 and the Sonata in E Op 109.

Music by German romantic composers, who were highly influenced by Beethoven’s legacy, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, complete the programme.

Beethoven’s musical output is often conveniently divided into three periods. In the first he uses the language of Viennese classicism established by earlier composers, above all Haydn and Mozart, with the emphasis on clarity, restraint, and balance.

In the second period he writes with a bolder, more personal tone, often with very powerful surges toward moods of triumph, tragedy and transformation. And, in the third period, the earlier urgency gives way to moods that have been described by words such as ‘interior’, ‘contemplative’ and ‘visionary’.

Tickets for the Kloof concert are R100. Book at the St Agnes church office by calling 031 764 2037.

Tickets for the Tatham concert are R80. Booking is preferred via email at chris@fotag.co.za or by SMS at 083 417 4473 or on Whatsapp. There is secure parking available next to the gallery and the Cafe Tatham will be open from 10 am and for lunch afterward.

• Visit http://www.musicrevival.co.za for information on dinner soiree performances at Duigan’s home studio in Pietermaritzburg and in Howick.