A Season Topping Performance....

“Music-Making in WWII” was the program title for music played by the Atlanta Chamber Players (ACP) at Ahavath Achim Synagogue.  In spite of the beautiful spring-like weather the ACP played to a full house.  The program began with Bohuslav Martinu’s trio for Flute, Cello and Piano (1944).  The music was light-weight, and its thinness was attributable to the prominent flute part.  The second movement was lyrical with the two outer movements having a touch of polite excitement. Everything was played strongly by Tood Skitch (flute), Brad Ritchie (cello) and Elizabeth Pridgen (piano).  The second work was Gideon Klein’s String Trio, played by Helen Kim (violin) Catherine Lynn (viola), and Brad Ritchie (cello). Klein (born December 6, 1919; died January 27, 1945) was Czech. His death occurred shortly after he left Auschwitz, where he had been held captive after being held at Terezin, the “model” death camp that was responsible for the extermination of many composers and musicians.  The Trio is thought to have been composed in September 1944.   The first movement (Allegro) is brief, beginning with a strong introduction that morphs into a rather quiet ending.  The second movement, Lento, incorporates Moravian themes and is a bit reminiscent in style or Kodaly or Janacek.  The final movement, Molto Vivace, was a bit Bartok-like.  Klein obviously had potential in a musical career cut short.  Kim and Ritchie were joined by Catherine Lynn (viola).

The final work was the passionate and gorgeously romantic Piano Quintet No. 1 in C minor by Erno Dohnanyi, written in 1895. Dohnanyi’s Piano Quintet was fully as lush and dense as the music of Brahmas, from which it has stylistic lineage.  This is big and melodious music that requires a big and melodious performance, which it received.  Pridgen, Kim, Lynn, and Ritchie were joined by first violinist David Coucheron.  Pridgen, Kim and Coucheron play large and they set the occasion for their colleagues to join with equal vigor.  This was a near flawless performance; it was bold, rich, and riveting. All five musicians had a shared vision of this work and it showed in their great ensemble and sharply shaped dynamics.   This may have been the performance of this concert season.   

Another Rewarding "Music on the Hill" performance

“The Music on the Hill” series at Northside Baptist Church present a series of trios performed by Olga Shpiko (violin), Yang-Yoon Kim (viola), and Jennifer Humphreys (cello).

The program consisted of:

Beethoven- String Trio Op. 9 No. 3 in C minor

Ramirez- Trajetas Latinas (world premier)

Dohnanyi- Serenade in C for String Trio

This was another recital that played to the acoustical strength of the Northside Baptist Chapel, which is perfectly suited for the viola and cello.  Their warmth is complemented by the warmth of the sound environment in the church. 

The Beethoven is a fairly early work in the master’s composing career. These three young artists had a few intonation problems, insecure rhythm, and bowing problems in the first movement, but once they warmed up, they played the beautiful lyrical adagio with wonderful tone and ensemble.  The third movement Scherzo also had a bit of unsteady playing that again to lead into a masterful performance of the Presto finale.

The Juan Ramirez-Hernandez “Tarjetas Latinas” was played, with the composer’s consent, with the second movement first.  Since this was a world premiere, there seemed to be eager anticipation in the audience. Ramirez’ work did not disappoint.  The music begins with a traditional yet dark and melodic lullaby.  The piece shows-off the warm and somewhat sad tones of the cello and viola.  Both were played eloquently by Humphreys and Kim.  The first movement, here played secondly, is a strong-dance rooted piece with rhythmic bowing and percussive sound effects.   Ms. Humphreys even played the part of a drummer on the body of her instrument.  The work uses pizzicato, quickly followed by bowing.  Both the left and right hands of the players are kept very busy in this piece, which reflects a mix of Cuban and African styles. 

Composer Ramirez was in attendance and signaled his pleasure with his Atlanta Symphony colleagues on their performance.

 

The final work on the program was the Dohnanyi Serenade.  It is a lovely piece from a composer is rarely heard these days.  He composed in a style heavily influenced by Brahms and the fourth movement andante is sumptuous with languorous melodies. The trio played brilliantly.    Dohnanyi’s music would appear on my list of composers of whom I would like to hear more. 

Hearing the Serenade reminded of my sixth grade English teacher, Mr. Myers.   He was a dedicated instructor who thought nothing of standing up on his desk while reading Macbeth.  He let the class know early on that his favorite composer was none other than Dohnanyi.  One day he was so inspired that he brought his cello to class and played along with a recording one of the composer’s pieces.   I appreciate Mr. Myers now more than ever. 

The next “Music on the Hill” concert will be on March 4 at 3:00pm.  Works by Chopin and Beethoven comprise the program.