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Transcript of Piano Recital of European Music

Artwork title: Piano Recital of European Music

Artist: Evan Katsarelis

AUDIO Description

The recital showcased a selection of ten musical pieces originating from various countries
and representing diverse styles. The music pieces were performed in the following order:

  1. Franz Schubert, “Ständchen” (“Serenade”) D.957 / Composed: 1828
  2. Frédéric Chopin, “Nocturne” No. 2 / Composed: 1832
  3. Ludwig van Beethoven, “Für Elise” (“For Elise”) / Composed: 1810 & Released: 1867
  4. Andrew Lloyd Webber, “The Music of the Night” / Released: 1986
  5. Evanthia Reboutsika, “Στο Πατάρι” (“Up to the Attic”) / Released: 2003
  6. Ludovico Einaudi, “I Giorni” (“The Days”) / Released: 2001
  7. Yann Tiersen, “La valse d’Amélie” (“Amelie’s waltz”) / Released: 2001
  8. Manos Hatzidakis, “Αγάπη που ‘γινες δίκοπο μαχαίρι” (“Love that you became a two-
    edged sword”) / Released: 1995
  9. Nicola Piovani, “La Vita è Bella” (“Life is Beautiful”) / Released: 1997
  10. Mikis Theodorakis, “Άρνηση” (“Denial”) / Released: 1962

VIDEO Description

The video documents an event that took place on February 5, 2023, at Harvard University’s
Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) in Washington, DC. The purpose of this event was to
celebrate the arrival of the spring fellows to the CHS campus. The main highlight of the
event was a piano recital by Evan Katsarelis featuring European music from the 19th, 20th,
and 21st centuries. The recital offered a captivating journey through various periods and
cultures of European music. Attendees included members of the CHS community,
encompassing fellows, researchers, staff, and library users. The setting is in the main hall of
the CHS main building, where there is a grand piano and seating for many people facing the
piano.
The video commences with a welcoming address by Mrs. Zoie Lafis, the CHS Executive
Director, who introduces Evan Katsarelis. Evan then addresses the audience, providing
details about the musical performance.
Prior to each musical piece, Evan shares background information, including details about the
title, composer, composition date, and historical context. The order of the pieces performed
is not chronological; instead, it takes the audience on a cultural journey across various
European countries and different time periods. Of particular note, two of the ten
compositions are Greek songs, which Evan performs on the piano while softly singing,
having invited Greek-speaking members of the audience who were familiar with the lyrics to
join in and sing along.