BOONE—Beethoven’s “Sonata in D Major” will be performed during a faculty recital Feb. 23 at Appalachian State University. The recital will begin at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free.

Pianist Rodney Reynerson will perform the composition, also known as “Pastorale.” Beethoven used his piano sonatas to explore differing structure and musical expressions, which were later incorporated in his symphonies. The sonata features key changes, and differing tempos and techniques, such as staccato and descending repetitive notes.

Reynerson also will perform Percy Grainger’s “Colonial Song,” written in 1911 as a gift to his mother. He wrote that he was attempting to compose a piece “as typical of the Australian countryside as Stephen Foster’s exquisite songs are typical of rural America.”

Next on the program is “Valses Nobles et Sentimentales” by Maurice Ravel, which was inspired by waltzes by Franz Schubert.

Four Chopin compositions will conclude Reynerson’s performance: “Nocturne in B-flat Minor, Op. 9, No. 1,” Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33, No. 2,” Etude in E Major, Op. 10, No. 3” and “Scherzo in C-sharp Minor, Op. 39.”

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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