Concert 1: Spiritual Folk Music
This concert will feature Colombian traditional and original music with a spiritual angle.
Performers:
Gili Sharett- Bassoon, Sebastian Cruz-guitar, and special guest Rafi Malkiel-trombone and Brandon Vazquez-Trumpet
Program:
Recuerda Muerte -traditional Colombian a capella funeral song, arr. by Sebastian Cruz with Rafi Malkiel
La Loca by Sebastian Cruz with Rafi Malkiel
El pájaro nocturno by Sebastian Cruz
Black and Tan Fantasy- Duke Ellington, Funeral March arr. by Rafi Malkiel with Brandon Vazquez-Trumpet (guest)
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Concert 2: Medtner and Debussy
Medtner’s rarely performed “Nachtgesange” (Night Songs), inspired by Goethe’s poem of the same name, were originally intended as a song cycle, but were reworked as “songs without words” for violin and piano. A Russian of German heritage, Medtner was a composer/pianist, whose 38 “Skazka” (Legends) for solo piano are among his best- loved works. Rachmaninoff, a staunch supporter, introduced his piano music to audiences throughout Europe and the United States.
Debussy’s well-known Sonata was written near the end of his life, when he was suffering terribly from ill health and the devastation of World War I. Its three short movements provide an astonishing range of moods and emotions. Though he wished to assert a strong sense of French nationalism, there are hints of Asian, Russian and Spanish influences, plus some flamboyant Hungarian-style gypsy fiddling.
Medtner’s dreamy Night Song, based on a poem about blissful sleep, was his first work for violin. Debussy’s Sonata, dreamy at the opening, but building toward an ecstatic conclusion, was Debussy’s last completed composition.
Performers:
Rolf Schulte, violin
Judith Olson, piano
Program:
Nachtgesang (Night Song), Op. 16, No. 1 (1904-8). Nikolai Medtner
Andante con moto sempre leggiero
Sonata for Violin and Piano (1916-17) Claude Debussy
Allegro vivo
Intermede (Fantasque et léger)
Finale (Tres anime)
