Classical Music For the World
In Collaboration with Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple
presents
Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Rd, Austin, TX 78727
Click to view the full Festival Program
PROGRAM
J.S. Bach (1685-1750): Suite BWV 1009
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Bourrèe I&II
Gigue
Crumb (1929-2022): Sonata for cello solo
Fantasia: Andante espressivo e con molto rubato
Tema con Variazioni
Toccata: Largo e Drammatico – Allegro Vivace
Piazzolla (1921-1992): Tango Etudes no. 1-4-3
J.S. Bach (1685-1750): Suite BWV 1010
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Bourrèe I&II
Gigue
Under the Cross is a musical experience that embodies the emotional power of suffering and celebrates the strength of all human beings to overcome sorrow. The Cello Suite No. 3 by Bach describes the Holiness of God, the joy of serving and offering who we are to others. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 4 is a suite of eternity, a meditation on victory over suffering. It begins with a musical depiction of the cross and concludes with the celebration of the new Life. The same power of life explodes in the Tango etudes by Piazzolla, in which the nostalgia inspired by the rhythms and the turmoil inspired by the melodies are a journey toward a true dimension of life. Ultimately, Crumb’s Cello Solo Sonata is a work that embodies the human quest for freedom. The only way for humanity to achieve freedom is to endure suffering. After facing the most tragic moments, one can discover that art restores the mind, the heart, and the power to love!
ABOUT THE MUSICIAN – FRANCESCO MASTROMATTEO
Praised as a “virtuosic and passionate musician” by the Dallas Morning News, Italian cellist Francesco Mastromatteo regularly performs across Italy, various European countries, and the United States. In Italy, where he makes his home, he serves as Professor of Chamber Music at the Conservatory “U. Giordano” – Residency of Rodi Garganico. Between 2020 and 2024, he also held there the position of Delegate to the Director. Since 2010, Francesco Mastromatteo has been the founding member, Artistic Advisor, and Artist-in-Residence of the non-profit organization Classical Music for the World, based in Austin, Texas. From 2008 to 2013, he was the Artistic Director of the Spring of Harmony Concert Series, held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Dallas.
Dr. Mastromatteo performs as a soloist with orchestras and maintains a busy international schedule as a chamber musician in Italy, Europe, and the United States. He holds both an Artist Diploma and a Master’s in Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he studied under Andrés Díaz. He completed his Doctoral Degree in Cello Performance at the Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin, in 2012, under the guidance of Professor Bion Tsang. Additionally, he earned a Master’s Degree with Honors in Literature and the History of the Arts from the Università “Aldo Moro” in Bari. Dr. Mastromatteo’s published works include a volume on Italian composer Umberto Giordano for Bastogi Editrice, as well as an article on Kodály’s Solo Sonata for Cello, Op. 8 for the International Journal of Musicology.