A program that is "a portrait in contrasts," Tocco's Feb. 19 recital features work by Franz Liszt and Earl Wild's paraphrases of Gershwin.
*****
Tuesday, February 19
James Tocco, piano
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
The Adams Foundation Piano Recital Series sponsored by the Times-News and Elon University
Pianist James Tocco returns to Elon with a program that is a portrait in contrasts. In the first half, he will explore one of Franz Liszt’s most lyrical collections, the Harmonies poètiques et rèligieuses (“Poetic and Religious Harmonies”). Liszt is often stereotyped as the egomaniacal virtuoso who dazzled the masses with his pyrotechnical hijinks and eccentric personality. Tocco’s choice, however, challenges us to see a different facet of Liszt the composer, a man with deeply spiritual and religious aspirations who delves into issues of mortality and the divine with a progressive musical palette.
In the second half, Tocco makes a sharp turn into the 20th century, with selections that pay homage to that all-American art form: jazz. You don’t want to miss Earl Wild’s stunning paraphrases on George Gershwin’s greatest hits (“Embraceable You”, “Fascinatin’ Rhythm”) or the grand finale: a solo arrangement of the iconic Rhapsody in Blue.
Admission: $15 or Elon ID (RS). Tickets available January 29.