Arts, Etc.Music

Music evokes Argentinean culture

Continuing the spring concert series, Jacqueline Petitto’s solo concert featured piano music from Argentinean composers born in the early 20th century. “La Muerte del Angel” and “Adios Nonino” were some of the pieces Petitto played at the Friday concert. Petitto has studied with renowned pianists such as Hans Boepple, James Bonn and Antoinette Remy. / photo by Gloria Diaz
Continuing the spring concert series, Jacqueline Petitto’s solo concert featured piano music from Argentinean composers born in the early 20th century. “La Muerte del Angel” and “Adios Nonino” were some of the pieces Petitto played at the Friday concert. Petitto has studied with renowned pianists such as Hans Boepple, James Bonn and Antoinette Remy. / photo by Gloria Diaz

Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

As the Steinway and Sons piano shone in the light and the music drowned out the pounding rain, Jacqueline Petitto gave La Verne a taste of Argentinean culture through her piano performance Friday in Founders Auditorium.

“I grew up in Argentina, so I wanted to play a program of all Argentinean music,” said Petitto, who also teaches piano here.

As soon as she walked on stage, the audience focused their attention onto the music and not the rain hitting the windows.

The first selection was the “Twelve American Preludes,” composed by Alberto Ginastera.

This selection was composed of 12 short pieces that ranged in tone and tempo.

Some of the preludes Petitto performed included tributes to other composers such as Roberto García Morillo and Heitor Villa-Lobos.

The second section was two pieces from “Ten Preludes,” composed by Carlos Guastavino.

During the preludes, as well as the other works, Petitto emphasized the somber tones by swaying along with the music.

After a brief intermission, Petitto introduced the next composer, Astor Piazzolla.

She played three songs by Piazzolla titled “La Muerte del Ángel,” “Milonga del Ángel” and “Adiós Nonino.”

Petitto expressed emotion with the music as the tone changed. Her emotion was seen through facial expressions in “Adiós Nonino” as well as others.

Between each new composer, Petitto gave a brief history of the artist including his influences in the music.

She also talked about what to look for in the music. For example, Petitto noted that “Adiós Nonino” was composed after Piazzolla’s father died.

This gave the audience insight into the feelings behind the composition.

Each piece, as suggested by Petitto, took the listener on an adventure through Argentina’s landscape.

The music in “Norteña,” gives the impression through the tone and rhythm of the desert setting. The tone was somewhat more upbeat and lively by using folk songs as the basis for “Criolla.”

Petitto ended the recital with “Three Pieces Op.6” composed by Ginastera.

As Petitto concluded, applause filled the auditorium and a bouquet of flowers was presented to her by one of her students.

“I thought it was fantastic,” said Jillian Hastings, a junior music major. “She was very expressive and knowledgeable about her music.”

“It was really wonderful,” said Adriana Quezada, a piano student.

“She really enjoys it, I can tell,” she said.

Aside from currently teaching at the University of La Verne, Petitto also teaches at

Pasadena City College, Los Angeles City College and has taught piano at the University of Southern California.

“Some of the pieces I have performed in public before, but about half of it I hadn’t really worked into a program yet. So, I thought this was a really good chance,” Petitto said.

Andres Rivera can be reached at arivera3@ulv.edu.

Andres Rivera, Web Editor
Andres Rivera
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