Jeffrey Kahane, Piano/Conductor
Paul Nagem, Flute
Daniel Silver, Clarinet
Patrick Tillery, Trumpet

Paul Hindemith - Kammermusik No.1, op.24a no.1, for piano & 12 solo instruments
Dmitri Shostakovich - Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57
Maria Newman - “Pennipotenti” for flute, violin & viola
Philip Glass - String Quartet No. 2 (“Company”)

In celebration of the CCP’s 15th Anniversary, pianist and conductor Jeffrey Kahane joins the CCP as soloist, in a high-energy program. Kahane will perform/conduct Hindemith Kammermusik no.1, op.24a, for piano and 12 solo instruments and Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, op.57; and CCP members will perform Maria Newman’s “Pennipotenti” for Flute, Violin and Viola, and Phillip Glass String Quartet no. 2 “Company”.

As with much of Shostakovich’s music the Piano Quintet is an historical reflection of its time. It is a gravely serene piece marked by a simplicity of texture, especially in the piano writing: lines are doubled two octaves below, and there is little complex inter-part composition. All of this provides clarity, and an ample accessibility reflected in the popularity of the work immediately after its premiere. For a time the Quintet overshadowed even such events as the soccer matches between the main teams. The Quintet was discussed in trams, people tried to sing in the streets the second defiant theme of the finale. The piece was extremely popular in the Soviet Union during Shostakovich’s lifetime.

Philip Glass’ string quartet #2, entitled “Company” was commissioned by the Mabou Mines Theatre Company as incidental music for the dramatization of Samuel Beckett's prose poem "Company". The quartet follows the transformation of a single theme within a traditional form. “Company” opens solemnly but with great beauty, slowly building up a swirling, melancholy melody weighted with a sense of loneliness.

Kammermusik No. 1 is a cheerful, irreverent suite that reflects Hindemith's early experience performing in dance bands and musical comedy orchestras in and around Frankfurt. Strong rhythms, sparkling instrumentation, and delightful impudence are the work's distinguishing features. Jeffrey Kahane conducts from the piano.