University of Connecticut student Pio Castellano held his senior recital on Saturday, Feb. 1 at von Der Mehden Recital Hall. Titled “A Student’s Prayer,” Castellano played four complete works on a piano, with a heavy focus on his personal connections to Catholicism.
According to the program provided at his recital, Castellano “has performed in master classes with José Ramos-Santana, Jarvor Bračić, and Thomas Rosenkranz, and has accompanied singers and other instrumentalists.” Also noted by the program, Castellano sings in the UConn Collegium Musicum and Concert Choir, as well as the St. Elijah Choir at St. Patrick Oratory in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Castellano, a senior student majoring in music education and music performance, began his recital by thanking both his audience and the von der Mehden staff and videographer. Shortly after, Castellano launched into his first piece of the recital: “Nocturne in B Major, Op. 32, No. 1” by Frédéric Chopin.
Chopin’s “Nocturne” jumps between lighter and darker points, and Castellano jumps with it. When playing a lighter and breezier tone, Castellano sits up straight and rigid but bends over the piano dramatically as the music becomes low and intense. It’s a dichotomy only strengthened when Castellano moves to his second piece of the afternoon.
“Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826” by Johann Sebastian Bach is Castellano’s second piece, and it jumps between moods even faster than the first. “Partita No. 2” is much longer than “Nocturne,” with a total of six movements that Castellano plays in full. The piece is characterized by a dramatic series of calls and responses, which Castellano moves between masterfully.
After an intermission, Castellano moved to “Rain Tree Sketch No. 2” by Tōru Takemitsu, a short yet deeply eerie piece that stands out against the classical composers that make up the rest of Castellano’s recital. “Rain Tree” is followed by “Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53” by Ludwig van Beethoven, also called the “Waldstein.” With three movements, the “Waldstein” moves from an energetic tone to a much more solemn and dramatic sound before reaching a bright and triumphant end.
“[‘Waldstein’] was one of the first pieces I studied in college, coinciding with my growth in faith,” Castellano remarked, when reached out to for comment via email. During the recital he briefly discussed his own interpretation of the piece. Castellano, who is Catholic, sees it as a biblical story, depicting Genesis followed by the suffering of the Lord, and ending with Jesus’s Resurrection. Castellano’s connection to religion colors both his prowess and his pieces, bringing a deeper meaning to the name of his recital.
“‘A Student’s Prayer’ is a prayer written by St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students and of the Catholic Church here at UConn, a community that has been an integral part of my college experience,” Castellano explained. “Growing in my faith has deepened my appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty, which I believe music uniquely expresses, particularly in its beauty. My faith inspires and compels me to pursue music as a means of reflecting these transcendent qualities.”
Studying music in college, both in education and performance, has been an incredible gift, allowing me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the art.
Pio Castellano, UConn Senior Music Student
Castellano studies under Dr. Angelina Gadeliya, an Assistant Professor in Residence of Piano and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at UConn. According to her page on the UConn website, Gadeliya lives a “rich musical life as a soloist, chamber musician, new music expert, and educator.” Her biography also lists various recitals she’s had around the world, including performances in Ukraine, Poland, Mexico and more.
“I am especially grateful to Dr. Angelina Gadeliya, my piano professor at UConn, whose belief in me and my potential has been truly inspiring,” Castellano said in his email. “I began playing piano at the age of five, inspired by my older sister, whom I’ve always looked up to. Studying music in college, both in education and performance, has been an incredible gift, allowing me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the art.”
The program for Castellano’s recital describes him as “an active member of the UConn Catholic community” who is “most passionate about growing his faith both through his music and daily life.” He is also a member of the Music Student Advisory Council.