Performer:

• Michał Szostak, organ (Poland)

Programme:

• Johann Sebastian Bach. Fantasy in G major, BWV 572
• Johann Sebastian Bach. “Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068
• Michał Szołtak. Improvisation. Italian Concerto
  • Allegro
  • Andante
  • Allegro
• Isaac Albéniz. Asturias / Leyenda from Spanish Suite, Op. 47
• Michał Szołtak. Improvisation. Symphonic Suite on Ukrainian Themes
  • Prelude
  • Cantabile
  • Finale

A virtuoso of organ improvisation, Michał Szostak will join the festival with a programme that brings together the perfection of the German Baroque in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the Spanish colour of Isaac Albéniz’s works, and original improvisations that have earned the musician recognition across Europe.

The symbolic axis of the programme will be Bach’s music, sacred to every organist. His Fantasy in G major and “Air on the G String” are well known to admirers of Baroque music. Yet one of the distinctive features of organ performance is that every space housing an organ has its own unique sound. The Latin Cathedral, home to one of Lviv’s best-known organs, will undoubtedly add its own unmistakable colours to the music.

The Spanish Suite and Asturias by Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz will evoke the wandering spirit of a sun-drenched summer. Originally written for guitar, Asturias will take on a new sound on the organ this evening.

The anticipated highlight of the concert, however, will be Michał Szostak’s improvisations — an art that has come down to us from the Baroque era, when every organist was also an improviser. Today, organ improvisation is no longer as widespread, yet there are still bold musicians who master this art. For Michał Szostak, every musical theme he hears can become the seed of a future performance. The audience is also invited to recognise the Ukrainian songs that have inspired the musician within his improvisations.