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 Song of the Earth, sailing into eternity? A cliffhanger ending leaves the audience on the edge of their seats while a full-circle ending bringing us […]
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 his sublime works scheduled (Piano Trio in B-flat KV 502 and Quartet in G minor KV 478) may bring you to the same conclusion. To […]
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 barriers between singer and listener removed. It is Romanticism at its most exquisite. Mendelssohn, too, was captivated by Heine’s lyrical genius and wrote music to […]
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 in these melodies found their way into some of the most beloved works of the repertoire. Haydn’s Piano Trio No. 39, with its famous “Gypsy” […]