Senior Spotlight: Nicholas Schwentker, Violin and Piano
By Kenzie Smith, Staff Writer
Nicholas Schwentker ’23 performs his senior recital (Photo Kenzie Smith/The Gettysburgian)
On Saturday, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Paul Recital Hall, Nicholas Schwentker ’23 performed in his senior recital. Schwentker performed four pieces: two on the piano and two on the violin.
The first song Schwentker performed was “Nocturne in B-flat Major” written by Polish composer Maria Szymanowska on the piano. As “Nocturne in B-flat Major” progressed the melody built into a “virtuosic and arpeggiated style,” as described by the program for the performance.
“Sonata No. 2 in A minor” written by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach was performed next on the violin. “Sonata No. 2 in A minor”, which includes four movements, “Grave,” “Fugue,” “Andante” and “Allegro,” creates varying dynamics from the more “methodical serious movement” of the “Grave” to the fast-paced “virtuosic allegro.”
Bach’s “Sonata No. 2 in A minor” was Schwentker’s favorite piece to perform.
“It’s something I’ve been working on for the past two and a half years, building it up together, and it’s just great to be able to perform it on the stage and have it go well,” Schwentker said.
Following was “As-Yet Unnamed Four Hands Piano Piece” written by Gettysburg College student Natalie Dolan ’23. As implied by the title, this piano piece takes four hands to perform, so Schwentker and Dolan performed this piece together. “As-Yet Unnamed Four Hands Piano Piece” has three movements which are “Allegro,” “Adagio” and “Presto.”
Dolan described the movements in her “As-Yet Unnamed Four Hands Piano Piece” in the performance program.
“The first movement is in Classical 18th-century sonata form with slight variations; the second movement is in the style of early 20th-century Impressionism; the third movement is a waltz with chromaticism reminiscent of modern carnival music,” Dolan wrote.
Schwentker took the stage with his violin in hand to perform the final song which was “Sonata for Solo Violin in D Major Op. 115” written by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. This piece includes three movements which are “Moderato,” “Andante Dolce” and “Con Brio.” This dynamic piece included “simple, yet beautiful, lines that are in complete contrast to the bombastic somewhat harsh chords,” according to the program.
Schwentker received a standing ovation from the audience as his senior recital came to an end.
Many attendees shared praise for Schwentker and his performance.
“I think Nicholas did absolutely amazing, and all the musicians here always impress me so much,” Rebecca Ruggles ’26 said.
Kate Anderson ’26 held the same sentiment as Ruggles.
“I love coming to see all the different music students. I’m always surrounded by fantastic talent, and I really enjoyed coming to see Nicholas tonight,” Anderson said.
Schwentker spoke about what it felt like to have completed his senior recital.
“I’m relieved. [It’s a] release of emotions . . . It’s just a weight off my back . . . but I’m happy with it,” Schwentker shared.
