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Upcoming Events
“Endings” – Piano Trios by Shostakovich and Schubert
How to end and exit a musical composition—with a bang or a whimper? Will there be the thunderous affirmation of a Beethoven symphony or a whispered adieu à la Mahler’s […]
Mostly Amadeus—Meet the Mozarts!
That the supernatural perfection of Mozart’s music was created by an imperfect child-like person has led many to believe he was a “quill in divine hands.” And the two of […]
“On the Wings of Song”—Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Mendelssohn Piano Trio
Robert Schumann’s setting of Heinrich Heine’s song cycle, Dichterlibe—A Poet’s Love—is, in a word, spellbinding. The rendering of the age-old theme of love and betrayal is personal and intimate, with […]
Annual Luncheon Musicale Benefit
Celebrate the Salon in the Gilded Age elegance at a private Berkshires club. The scintillating atmosphere of the 19th century institution that helped promote artists, painters and musicians as the […]
Vivace Baroque Orchestra: The Four Seasons—Antonio Vivaldi and Astor Piazzolla
Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons (for which he also wrote accompanying sonnets) and Piazzolla’s sultry Four Seasons of Buenos Aires share a program where time, place, and style intertwine. From the bright renewal of Vivaldi’s Spring to […]
Romance of the Romani!—Ravel, Bartok, Liszt, Haydn and Brahms Piano Quartet
The season closes with the irresistible fire and passion of music shaped by Roma traditions, which left an indelible mark on European composers. The romance, longing, and sense of freedom […]
What is chamber music?
Chamber music sounds like a lively conversation between a small group of friends – not with words, but with musical notes. The spotlight moves from player to player. Each stands out as an individual with a musical opinion, but their statements weave together into a sublime and lively sound.
In some ways, chamber music is a precursor of jazz; it features the same spontaneity, the give and take of urgent dialogue (as in passing a ball at a sports event), arguments and resolutions, humor and camaraderie.
A concert usually consists of three to eight players, combining different string instruments and often includes a piano, vocalists or winds.
Close Encounters With Music chamber programs are framed in intriguing themes with illuminating introductions to each concert, designed to extend the pleasure of the music itself.
