Pulcinella, the ugly clown is chasing after all the pretty girls. He peevishly tries to prevent the faithful lovers from being together. As portrayed in the “Punch and Judy” shows, he’s always being scolded with a baton, the slapstick. This clumsy character from the 16th-18th century Italian “Comedia dell’arte” (art comedy presented on city streets), is closely related to the Joker archetype. Comedia dell’arte characters are typically identified by their dresses. Pulcinella wears a white outfit with baggy pants, a buttoned shirt and a hat. He also wears a mask featuring a long nose and raised eyebrows resembling a bird. This short piece belongs to Villa-Lobos 1st collection of the suite “A prole do bebê” (The baby’s family), illustrating the clowns and puppets from a baby’s box of toys.

The Mazurka had its origin in the 15th century, as part of Poland’s folklore. It quickly became known as a court ballroom dance, characterized by its triple meter and freer accentuation compared to other musical forms (like the waltz). The Mazurka in A minor, Op.17 No.4 by F. Chopin, is a very lyrical, broad, meditative, ever wondering and wandering expression of this beautiful form.

Träumerei, "Kinderszenen" No. 7 - R. Schumann performed by Ceballos

“Scherzino Mexicano”, a truly beautiful piece composed in 1909 by one of Mexico’s greatest composers, Manuel M. Ponce.

Ceballos performs Prelude and Fugue No.15 in G Major BWV 884 by J.S. Bach.

Preludios del Bicentenario: 5. Victoria, for Piano Solo. Carlos Islas Arias, Composer. Héctor Ceballo Valencia, Piano Concierto-Examen de 5º de piano realizado en el Conservatorio Nacional de Música de Mëxico, 10 de abril del 2014 Preludios en conmemoración del Bicentenario de la Independencia de México. Piano Fifth grade Degree Examination in the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico, April 10, 2014 Preludes in commemoration of the bicentennial of Mexico's independence.

Preludios del Bicentenario: 4. Guerrero, for Piano Solo. Carlos Islas Arias, Composer. Héctor Ceballo Valencia, Piano Concierto-Examen de 5º de piano realizado en el Conservatorio Nacional de Música de Mëxico, 10 de abril del 2014 Preludios en conmemoración del Bicentenario de la Independencia de México. Piano Fifth grade Degree Examination in the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico, April 10, 2014 Preludes in commemoration of the bicentennial of Mexico's independence.