Programme
Jean-Henri d’Anglebert (1629–1691) Suite in G minor Prélude Allemande Courante Seconde Courante Sarabande Gigue
Gaillarde Les Sourdines d'Armide Passacaille d'Armide
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725) Toccata X in F major
Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) Keyboard Sonata in F minor, K. 466 Sonata in F major, K. 518 Sonata in F minor, K. 519
Interval
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Overture in the French Style, BWV 831 Ouverture Courante Gavotte I & II Passepied I & II Sarabande Bourrée I & II Gigue Echo
Performer
Arash Rokni, Piano
Programme Notes
“My profession is far removed from the noise of weapons and the raison d’état that calls for them. I understand something of notes, chords, and sounds. I practice in it, devising a lovely symphony. The notes, the strings, the sweet tones of music give me my tasks, and as I mingle the French manner with that of the Germans and Italians, I do not instigate war, but perhaps, through the peoples’ desired concord, I may at times prelude the dear peace.” Georg Muffat
322 years after the death of Georg Muffat, we still strive to live up to his ideals, and we are (un)fortunately not alone: fortunately, because of the warmth of being human among other human beings, and unfortunately, because of the realization of how fragile and small our little circle can become.
The programme of my concert combines pieces written in the French and Italian styles, culminating in Overture in the French Style — by J.S. Bach, a German with Hungarian roots, who equally loved and appreciated both Italian and French music.
Biography
Arash Rokni
“He has a lot to say: sometimes a subtle poet, sometimes a passionate speaker, sometimes he asks questions, sometimes he chats charmingly.” (Westdeutsche Zeitung)
“There was a poet sitting at the piano. An intelligently chiselled romantic who can also pull out pranks.” (RheinPfalz)
Once described as both a stubborn Bolshevik and a poet, pianist Arash Rokni has pursued the art of turning abstract black dots on paper into sound since childhood. Born in Tehran, he first encountered music through his mother’s explorations of the setar and his father’s passion for Western classical music. After imaginary careers as conductor, composer, and poet, he chose the piano, inspired by his first teacher Tamara Dolidze. Further encouragement came from Giorgi Raphaelowitch Avanesov and Ashot Ghazarian in Armenia, before studies with Markus Tomas in Leipzig and Claudio Martínez Mehner in Cologne. He also worked with Nina Tichman, Anthony Spiri, Andreas Staier, Ferenc Rados, Rita Wagner, Andras Kemenes, and Robert Levin.
A prizewinner at the 21st Bach Competition Leipzig, Arash has performed across Europe and beyond in venues such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, Schumann Saal Düsseldorf, NDR Sendesaal Hannover, and Perth Theatre. His performances have been broadcast by WDR, MDR, NDR, Radio France, BBC 3, and Radio Catalunya. He often programmes lesser-known repertoire, particularly Baroque works and the Russian avant-garde.
A passionate chamber musician, he has collaborated with Miklós Perényi, Bernarda Fink, Antje Weithaas, Peter Nagy, Jonathan Brown, and Erika Wise, and appeared at festivals including Lammermuir (Scotland), Kosmos (Tirana), Tara (Belgium), Pau Casals, and Santander (Spain). With pianist Julia Polinskaja, he co-founded Duo Noema, exploring intersections of music, literature, cinema, and art.
Currently Professor of Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, Arash shares his curiosity with younger generations and has given masterclasses in Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium.