Mozart first heard the newly invented clarinet at the age of seven, while on a visit to Mannheim, and his fascination with the instrument’s mellow sonority and range remained with him throughout his life. The Clarinet Quintet, K.581, written during the summer of 1789 and reflecting the mastery and emotional depth of the composer’s final compositions, the score requires the full scope of artistry from all five players.
The “Quasi una Fantasia,” a work for two clarinets and string quartet by the celebrated American composer Christopher Theofanidis was jointly commissioned by Brightmusic and Chamber Music Northwest. The composer proposed a scoring for two clarinets and string quartet; allowing for greater musical dialogue and rich textures to underlie the interweaving clarinet lines.
Many agree with Robert Schumann that the piano trios of Franz Schubert masterfully affirm Beethoven’s own contributions to piano trio literature yet set a new standard for the genre with powerfully wrought, and lyrically intimate forms. As Schumann noted about the Bb Trio published in 1836: "One glance at it and the troubles of our human existence disappear and the whole world is fresh and bright again…”
Rounding out the hour, we'll hear a performance of the Ballade, Pastorale and Dance by American composer Eric Ewazen offered by flutist Emily Butterfield, hornist Peggy Moran and pianist Sam Magrill on Tuesday, January 29th presented as part of the University of Central Oklahoma's Faculty Artist Concert Series. Known for his chamber music pieces of unusual combinations of instruments, the composer explores a range of contrasting colors and texture in this three movement suite!
Listen this Saturday, August 24, at 8:00 pm on Classical 88.7-1.