Piano Recital 2

Part of the series «Piano»

Mel Bonis: Phœbé Op. 30 and Salomé Op. 100 No. 1
Alexander Skrjabin: Piano Sonata No. 3 F sharp minor Op. 23
Sergei Rachmaninow: 
Prélude B flat major Op. 23 No. 2 («Maestoso»)
Prélude D major Op. 23 No. 4 («Andante cantabile»)
Prélude C minor Op. 23 No. 7 («Allegro»)
Prélude G flat major Op. 23 No. 10 («Largo»)
Étude-Tableau C major Op. 33 No. 2 («Allegro»)
Étude-Tableau C minor Op. 33 No. 3 («Grave»)
Étude-Tableau E flat minor Op. 39 No. 5 («Appassionato»)
Prélude E major Op. 32 No. 3 («Allegro vivace»)
Prélude G major Op. 32 No. 5 («Moderato»)
Prélude D flat major Op. 32 No. 13 («Grave»)

Duration approx. 85 minutes, no interval
Concert Bus Shuttle: Oberwald-Ernen, Ernen-Oberwald, Ernen-Binn

In her recital programme, Shio Okui, a pianist trained in Moscow, among other places, demonstrates her affinity for early 20th-century Russian music. Shimmering piano sounds, rich harmonies and powerful emotions characterise the works of Scriabin and Rachmaninoff.

The two introductory works by French composer Mel Bonis are a wonderful complement to this. Composed in 1897, Portrait of Phoebe depicts the bright and pure sister of the sun god Phoebus, who symbolises the moon as well as the cool side of femininity and chastity. The piece creates a mysterious and timeless nocturnal mood. In contrast, the somewhat later composed portrait of Salomé, the idealised seductress, also plays with orientalist echoes, which were equally fashionable in Russia at the time.

More about the Piano Week 2026

More about Mel Bonis | Composer to Discover 2026

Playlist ‘Piano Week 2026’ on Spotify