Shostakovich Piano Quintet
Written at the onset of World War II, the Quintet is a lyrical and expressive work. The charming first Quartet was described as “childhood springtime” by the composer. Performed in November 2015 at the First Universalist Church of Denver; Longmont Museum; Children’s Hospital.
Different Worlds: Shostakovich and Prokofiev
Prokofiev’s exuberant Quintet for winds and strings was commissioned by a French dance troupe, and was paired with Shostakovich’s innocent Quartet no.1, heartfelt Elegy and Polka, and beloved Jazz Waltz. Performed in December 2015 with Denver Eclectic Concerts; at Smoky Hill Library; and on the Trinity Presbyterian Second Tuesday series.
Intimate Shostakovich
On his deathbed, Shostakovich turned to the viola to express his innermost emotions, and to pay homage to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. The Viola and Piano sonata was completed one month before his death. Performed in January 2016 at Boulder Library and at St. John’s Cathedral.
Shostakovich: 3rd String Quartet with Arvada Chorale
A program of instrumental and choral works, including Shostakovich’s 3rd string quartet, op. 73 (1946), was performed at the United Methodist Church of Arvada in March 2016. Quartet no. 3 was written as a response to World War II. After its premiere, it was considered too controversial and future performances were postponed.
Colorado Chamber Players at Clyfford Still Museum
A joyful spring concert of Mozart, Haydn, Bach and Schubert delighted patrons at the Clyfford Still Museum in April 2016.
Heartfelt Shostakovich
Our yearlong study of Shostakovich’s chamber music continued with Quartets no. 3, 7, and 11, which roughly correspond to the composer’s early, middle and late periods in his quartets. Dagwell Hall, St. John’s Cathedral, May 2016.
